Claudia Ballentine

November 11, 1956-November 17, 2012

Friends and family mourn the death of Claudia Ballentine who

died at Methodist Hospital the week of her 56th birthday.

Devoted mother and loyal friend, her courage in the face of

of a protracted illness was the final testimony to the strength

of her life-affirming nature. Her sharp humor and fierce

intelligence shined brightly through any cloud and her talent

and drive were an inspiration to all who knew and loved her.

Although Claudia has left us, the indelible mark of her enormous

spirit will always remain.

Born in Memphis, Claudia attended Sheffield School and

graduated from Wooddale High. Talented in many ways,

Claudia demonstrated a strong vocal ability at an early age.

Ambitious and fearless, she headed for Los Angeles to pursue a

music career while still in her teens. Not long afterward, she made

her presence known by landing an audition with Ray Charles who

needed another Raelette. When an opportunity in Nashville arose,

she wanted to be a part of its booming music scene and was soon

working with the top promotional entertainment company

working with the Grand Ole Opry. Encouraged by some of the female

icons of country music, she pursued her musical goals in spite of fierce

competition and the political pitfalls of the music business.

Eventually returning to her hometown, Claudia became one of

the top talents in radio jingle production and professional voiceover

work. At the same time, she performed and toured with many of the

best musicians in Memphis. She had recently enrolled in graduate

school at the University of Memphis where she had previously earned

a B.S. in Criminal Justice in 1992.

Surviving Claudia are her beloved son, Reese, and her mother

and stepfather, Katherine and Raymond Skinner. She is also survived by

a brother, Christopher Ballentine and sister and brother-in-law, Joanna

and Ed Schwartz. Preceding her in passing were her father, William Ballentine, Sr.

and her brother, Bill Ballentine.

A memorial ¬¬celebration of her life will be announced soon.