Claudia M. Middlebrooks

Claudia Mae Middlebrooks was born to the late Albert and Louise Hunter on October 12,1936. She was raised and educated in Chattanooga, TN and was a proud graduate of Howard High School, class of 1956. After graduation, she married the love of her life, William Middlebrooks on July 1, 1956, and thus began the life as a military wife. Claudia was a faithful and devoted wife to William for 58 years, 11 months and 2 weeks until his death. By her husband’s side during his military career of 20 years, their travels lead them to Clarksville, TN, Colorado, state of Washington and two tours in Germany before they settled in Petersburg, VA. While in Virgina, Claudia worked and retired from Sola Optical in Colonial Heights, VA. After her retirement she remained in Virginia until her health contributed to her decision to move back to the south where family and friends could support and provide the care she needed. While growing up in Chattanooga, Claudia attended Phillips Temple Church where she gave her life to Christ at the age of 12 at Vacation Bible School. After settling in Virginia, she continued to grow her faith at Greater Faith AME Zion. While at Greater Faith, Claudia served as president of the Deaconess Board, a member of WOGV (Woman Of Greater Vison), church sexton, a member of the Usher Board, former member of the Stewardess Board and Missionary. At Greater Faith she was known for her dedicated service to the church and for how immaculate she was when preparing the church’s communion table. The tablecloths would be starchy ironed and nothing on the table would be out of place or out of order. She was a faithful member until her health prohibited her in-person attendance. However, this did not stop her from studying the Word of God. She was an avid bible reader and loved to share just how good God had been to her. Claudia’s favorite Bible chapter was 1 Corinthians 13. This chapter provided a roadmap that she would follow throughout her life. Claudia lived by her motto of “I strive to have genuine love for all. Whatever I do, I do with a willing heart, and it must be pleasing to God.” Claudia was proceeded in death by her parents, husband and siblings; James Hunter, Aleane Hunter and Dorothy McCaulley and nephew Devotis Hunter. She leaves to cherish her memories, seven nephews, James Hunter of Athens, Georgia, El Dorado (Karen) McCaulley of Smyrna, Georgia, and Felix Hunter, Robbie (Peral) Hubbard and Michael Ray (Linda) Hubbard all of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Darrin Hubbard of Kentucky and Franklin Davis of Boligee, Alabama; eleven nieces, Dementira (Edward) Stewart of Atlanta, Georgia, Vanessa (William) Lowery, Veronica Hunter, Rosina (Edward) Bell, Felicia McCaulley, Anita (Albert) Shoemaker, Margette Hubbard, Joyce Ann (Ossie) Poke, and Linda (Gus) Horton all of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Mary Lucille (Floyd) Ray of Memphis, Tennessee and Pamela Hubbard of Pennsylvania; two sister-in laws, Louise Hunter and Cora Bell Weams of Chattanooga, Tennessee; one uncle, Alphonso (Donna) Pace of Cincinnati, Ohio; one aunt, Rose Pace of Euclid, Ohio, along with a host of other family and loved ones. She also leaves devoted friends Winnie Sue Dunson, Ella Phillips, Vida Crocker and Annie Womack. Claudia will lie-in-state on Monday, April 13, 2026, 1-5 p.m. at Taylor Funeral Home. Funeral Service will be Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at 12:00 noon in the Chapel with Bishop Ternae Jordan, Sr., as the Eulogist. Burial in Chattanooga National Cemetery. Directions for Live Stream: Click on the link below to view the service. https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/WPC5U9

Claudia M. Middlebrooks

October 12, 1936 - April 6, 2026