John Calvin Claude, Sr.

1 Peter 1:2-11

Today we pause to pay tribute to the Life, Love and Legacy of John Calvin "Chubby" Claude, 78, who was a committed husband, father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend. Chubby graced the earth with a spirit of quietness and endurance in the face of trials and tribulations. He strived to add goodness to his faith; to his goodness, knowledge; to his knowledge, self-control; to his self-control, endurance; to his endurance, godliness; to his godliness, Christian affection; and to his Christian affection he sort to add love.

Chubby's date of birth was documented in the family Bible as February 02, 1945; however later documents reveals a date of February 01, 1946. He was born to the parentage of the late Amos C. Claude and Minnie C. Clark Claude in Boykins, Virginia. Chubby grew into a strong hardworking young man supporting his father on the farm. His education processes started in the Southampton County schools system in Virginia and continued into the Northampton County school system in Seaboard North Carolina; where he attended Coates Elementary and Gumberry High School.

Chubby married, left Seaboard and moved to Portsmouth, Virginia with the love of his life, Ms. Garnet Mae Stewart Claude to start a new career and family. He worked for the Norfolk Tunnel Commission, Hall Bakery on High Street in downtown Portsmouth and Sunbearn/Flowers Bakery in Norfolk VA., for many years until retiring.

Chubby's faith journey started at an early age while attending Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church (Boykins, VA), Galilee Missionary Baptist Church (Branchville,VA.), and Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church (Seaboard, NC) and later in life he rededicated his life to the Lord and joined the Garden of Prayer of Portsmouth, Virginia, under the pastorate of Bishop Levi E. Willis. The Garden of Prayer was where he received his call from God to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and was licensed to preach. God used him mightily to encourage the people while serving at the Garden of Prayer. As a Minster in the Church of God in Christ he was bold, challenging and was committed to proper interpretation of the word of God. He understood the weight and responsibility that came with sharing the scriptures and the critical importance of sharing it God's way under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

As a quiet, hardworking and devoted family man he ensured that his family, and in-laws were cared for on a daily basis. Some of his enjoyable activities included street racing, dancing, baseball, and word usage.

On Friday morning, July 12, 2024; after many years of faithfulness to his wife, family and friends and much spiritual warfare, God transitioned John Calvin "Chubby" Claude into his resting place waiting the resurrection.

His quiet, no-nonsense attitude with an open heart to all will be long remembered by those whose lives he touched. His partner and wife Garnet Mae Stewart Claude was forever present until her death on August 17, 2023 along with God's grace covering him. Chubby and Garnet would have been married for 59 years on July 10, 2024. 

He was preceded in death by his parents; Amos and Minnie C. Clark Claude; his wife Garnet Mae Stewart Claude, mother and father-in- law Emma and Edgar Stewart and sibling, Ella Mabel Claude Artis (Philadelphia PA.)

God has preserved their relationship even to this day. Two faithful sons have been born to this union, and he adores them both. John Calvin 'Chubby' Claude is survived by two beloved sons John Calvin Claude Jr., of Portsmouth, Virginia and Michael Claude (Lynette) of Norfolk, Virginia. Granddaughters: Pashe' Murphy of Portsmouth Virginia, Tavonia Watson (Darryl) of Virginia Beach Virginia, Great Granddaughters: Kodi Murphy of Portsmouth, Virginia; Indigo Harvey of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Gia Harvey of Virginia Beach, Virginia Grandsons: John Calvin Claude Jr., III of Portsmouth, Virginia; Alonzo Lassiter of Portsmouth, Virginia; Andre Lassiter of Portsmouth, Virginia, Dion Lassiter of Portsmouth, Virginia; Michael Claude Jr. of Boston MA., Udarrin and Willow Harvey of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Emmanuel Harvey of Chattanooga TN., Jeremiah & Madelyn Harvey of Killeen TX. Elijah Harvey of Norfolk, Virginia, Great Grandson: Levy Garnet Watson of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Siblings; Celestine Parker (Lloyd Deceased) of Portsmouth, Virginia; Matthew L. Claude (Helen deceased) of Seaboard, North Carolina; William E. Claude (Dolores) of Sylvania, Georgia; Gracie M. Claude of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Alvin L. Claude (Eva) of Suwanee, Georgia; Shelwood R. Claude (Cynthia) of Richmond, Virginia; Cardell Claude of Portsmouth, Virginia; June C. Anderson (James) of Richmond, Virginia. He leaves to mourn a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Now! We, who remain, must acknowledge our pain and sorrow while healing and grieving knowing that Chubby is pain free with clear eyesight in preparation for his new body. Old things have passed away and all things have become new... to God be the glory for the great things he has done.

A Graveside Service will be held at 11 am Friday, July 26, 2024 at Roosevelt Memorial Park, 1101, Campostella Rd, Chesapeake, VA 23320 .  Please keep the Claude family in your thoughts and prayers.