Claudia Elaine Smith went home with the Lord after a short stay in Penn Presbyterian in Philadelphia on Wednesday, June 23, 2021. She was born on April 3, 1942 in Vineland, NJ, to the late Mrs. Annie Smith and Leslie (lefty) Petway.

Claudia attended Vineland High School and received her formal education in New York State. In 1971 she graduated from Practical Nursing School and in 1974 she graduated from Sage College with an AAS degree for Registered Nurse. She later earned a dual Bachelors Degree in Social Psychology from the College of Saint Rose, Albany, New York. Claudia has gone on to earn credits from Rowan, Stockton and online courses at University of Phoenix towards her Masters Degree.

She then retired from the State of New Jersey with 20 years of service due to health concerns and was still a shift supervisor of nursing at the New Jersey Veterans Memorial Home in Vineland. She also retired as a Certified Crisis Nurse Screener for Cumberland County Guidance Center. Some other part-time positions she held prior to her retirement included being the first-and only African American Sexual Assault Examiner and only first African Nurse Pronouncer appointed by the Cumberland County Prosecutors office under Mr. Arthur Muchard and under the medical examiner's office. She also was tutoring LPN's for the NCLEX State Board Exams.

Claudia became involved in the Eastern Stars at an early age of 12, as a youth facilitator and was elected president of Deborah Chapter and later president of the 2nd District which used to be known as the 7th District, serving a 3 year term. She always had love for the Eastern Stars as her
mother, aunts, uncles and cousins were long time members. Eastern Stars was in her blood so in 1994, adoption rights were opened and Claudia was able to fulfill her dreams of becoming an Eastern Star. She was elected Worthy Matron for serving many stations and a 4 year term. She also served on Ozie's Health care First Aide Committee for many years and was past chair and co-chair and served as a nurse in the East. In 1996, she joined Zamora Court #135 Dt. of ISIS. Here she served as Health Comm. Chair, NAACP Chair and Co-Chair. She worked diligently serving on line 3 times until she became ill. Imperial Commandress Iris Moore, Past Imperial Commandress, Ernestine Buck, Hon. Imperial Comm., Gertrude Bradley and Past Commandress Margaret Bruner recommended she receive her honorary past Commandress Honors in 2008-2009.

In 2012, she was asked to serve as District Deputy Grand Matron by GWM Sis. Janice E. Justice and she was so honored and accepted. Then in 2013 she was appointed the Imperial Directress of NAACP Freedom Fund by Imperial Commandress Sadie B. Mitchell.

Claudia was a dedicated lifelong member of New Bethel AME Church, Vineland, NJ and co-chairs Nurse's unit and served on the missionary and trustees board, Women in the NAACP (WIN), and was a charter member, Silver Life member NAACP, City of Vineland Mayors Civil Rights Board, Henrietta Woodward Temple #1169, Order of Elks PDR, PGDR, Board of Elections, Notary Public and Appointed Ambassador of Hope South Jersey, Sickle Cell by Children's Hospital.

Claudia is survived by one brother Jeff Johnson (Newfield, NJ), Three children: Terrence C. Spencer (Sylvia) (Vineland, NJ), Tamara C. Morris (David) (Vineland, NJ), and Torre C. Steward. ( Schenectady, NY). She never excluded three of her Step-children, Lora E. Winchester (Kevin) of Vineland, NJ , John L. Steward of Bridgeton, NJ and Bryon M. Steward of Detroit, Mich., 9 grandchildren, 10 great-grandchildren and a host of step grand children, cousins and friends.

She was predeceased by her Mother Annie Smith, Father Leslie (Lefty) Petway, Step father Jesus Gomez and one grandson Nasheim Overton.