Claudette Maria Spalding

Claudette Maria Spalding was born Claudette Maria Worrell on May 27, 1947, in Colon, Panama to the late Edwin Claudio Worrell and Antoinette Agatha Best. Claudette was educated in the Colon, Panama school system and graduated from Porfilio Melendez High School in 1966.

Claudette met the love of her life, Gladstone Byas Spalding and they married on June 20,1968. From their union, Claudette and Gladstone had three beautiful children, Adilma Felicia Spalding, Olivia Teresa Murray, and Gladstone Byas Spalding II. Claudette was a proud military wife. Gladstone was an honorable serviceman enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Hamilton Military Base. As a result, Claudette, Adilma, and Olivia left Panama to move to Brooklyn, New York, at that time Claudette gave birth to the couples-only son Gladstone Byas Spalding II.

In 1983 Gladstone and Claudette purchased the home they would share for almost 30 years. This home located in Willingboro, New Jersey hosted an endless amount of family and friends. Claudette was famous for her scrumptious Sunday dinners which became a family tradition for years to come. Over the years Claudette and Gladstone used their home to care for many members of their family and friends. Claudette made sure anyone, who needed it, would be able to have a meal and a place to stay with her. She left a substantial deposit of love in every person she encountered.

Claudette was a woman of many extraordinary talents. She was an amazing cook who served as a Culinary Specialist for Fort Dix Military Base. She was a seamstress who created many beautiful gowns for weddings, proms, and specials events. She also was incredibly talented in arts and crafts. Most notably she loved creating beautiful ceramic figurines. Claudette enjoyed shopping, taking trips to the casino, playing Pokeno, and belonged to her group called the “Bingo Girls”.

When her husband Gladstone retired, they decided to move to Riverview, Florida. Claudette became a member of Nativity Catholic Church where she served on The Society of Saint Vincent De Paul Ministry, a ministry that offers tangible assistance to those in need. She also served as a Spanish-speaking interpreter for her church. Claudette was a very giving person. She was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt. She was also a loyal and supportive friend to many.

Claudette leaves behind many to cherish her precious memories, her beloved husband Gladstone B Spalding. Three amazing children Adilma F. Spalding, Olivia T. Murray, and Gladstone B. Spalding II (Mytza). Her siblings Merlin Worrell, Carlos Worrell, Joseph Worrell, Josephine Brathwaite (Winston) Yolanda Boirie, Roy Worrell, Oscar Worrell, and Olivia Mark. Grandchildren, Amanda Martin (Javonn) Michael Spalding, Kayla Smith, Joseph Smith, Gladstone Elijah Spalding, and Shallah Spalding. Great-grandchildren Aaron Spalding, Justin Martin, Michael Lorenzo Spalding, Mya Spalding, Julian Smith-Cheatham, and Zoey Sadler. Along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, and friends.

Repass will be held at

13011 Summerfield Blvd Riverview Tampa 33579 2pm-5pm