Ms. Claudia Wooden

Claudia Pearson Wooden, the only daughter of the late Clarence W. Pearson and Sallie Mae Pearson was born July 28, 1949, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. Claudia was the fourth child of six children. Claudia grew up in Lassiter Court in Newport News before moving to Suburban Parkway where she grew up. Claudia was a member of Providence Baptist church at a young age, where the Pearson Family was instrumental in the construction and managing of the Church for many years.  Claudia graduated from Phenix High School in 1967 and then attended North Carolina Central University. Claudia was married to Roger Wooden Jr., and she gave birth to her only child, Eric, on August 16, 1970.

Claudia dedicated her life to caring for and protecting her son. Claudia was an avid reader who would rarely miss a day of reading. Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune were her favorite game shows. Her broad scope of knowledge was clearly seen with her consistent correct answers to questions on Jeopardy. Claudia would correctly guess the phrases with only the turn of the first few letters on Wheel of Fortune. Claudia loved going to the beach and fishing.

The teaching profession had a strong calling for the Pearson family. Claudia returned to school and graduated from Hampton Institute and received her teaching certification to start her new career as a teacher. In 1986, Claudia moved to West Point, Virginia her son to teach at King and Queen County Central High School. Eric attended West Point High School until he graduated in 1989 and entered Hampton University. Claudia continued to teach at King and Queen until she returned home to Hampton, accepting a teaching position at Davis Middle School in 1993. Then she transferred to Phoebus High School and taught there until she retired in 2012.

Claudia loved dogs and had three Rottweilers who kept her company during her retirement years. Claudia went on numerous gambling trips with her friend Elaine and her aunt Margaret. Some of her most memorable trips were to Las Vegas, and winning big in St. Croix while visiting her son. The local trips to Rosie’s and Rivers brought the same excitement, as she lit up with hopes of winning a jackpot.

Claudia was predeceased by her parents and two brothers, Kenneth and Calvin. Those remaining to cherish her memory are her Aunt Margaret Tynes, son, Eric (Soani), her brothers, Clarence, Jr. (Connie), David (Elaine), and George (Gale), Sister-in-law Rebecca Pearson (Widow of Kenny Pearson), Sister-in-law Evelyn Pearson (Widow of Calvin Pearson).  Also surviving are a host of nieces and nephews, other relatives, and close friend Elaine Claybourne and her daughter Tiffany Claybourne.

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