Claudine L. McKee

Claudine Laverne McKee was born May 31, 1936 in Memphis, Tennessee to Alola and George McKee. She was preceded in death by her parents. Claudine went home to be with the Lord on April 24, 2026. Her parents provided a loving and spiritual home for

her. She received Christ at an early age. She attended Pheliz Elementary School in Marion, Arkansas and Doolittle Elementary School in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Wendell Phillips Highschool. She loved doing hair and went to cosmetology school

thereafter. Later, Claudine attended Keuka College in Kueka Park, NY where she earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Spanish. She also earned a Masters of Education Degree from Florida Technological University (now UCF).

After graduating from Keuka College, Claudine accepted a position where she would be “shaping women’s futures” as Dean of Women at Bethune-Cookman College. She also served as the Assistant Vice President/Director, Career Planning and Placement until her retirement in 2004. She was an esteemed member of the Daytona Beach Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and recently celebrated 50 years as a Delta. She also served as the Campus Advisor for the Delta Alpha Chapter at Bethune-Cookman

College.

A woman of deep faith, she joined Mt. Bethel Baptist Institutional Church in Daytona Beach, Florida, where she faithfully worshipped and remained committed to spiritual growth and fellowship. Claudine was a driving force in shaping the future of young women and men throughout her tenure at Bethune-Cookman College. She was more than a remarkable woman – she was a true pillar in her community and at Bethune-Cookman College, where her presence, wisdom, and influence touched countless lives. She was a leader, a mentor, and a guiding light to so many, pouring into both women and men with strength, grace, and purpose. The legacy she leaves behind is not just in words, but in the lives she helped shape, the paths she helped guide, and the love she so freely gave.

Claudine stood tall in faith, in wisdom, and in service – always uplifting others, always making a difference. The generation will continue to feel the impact of her kindness and leadership. Her presence was powerful, her spirit unforgettable, and her legacy will live on forever. Rest peacefully, Claudine. You will always be remembered and deeply respected.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her only son, Delloyd Derek McKee; her grandson, Leterrick J. Powell (Sandra) of Dallas, Dailen Jimond Powell and Darrien Alexander Powell; her great-grandsons, Denim James Powell great-great grandson; one sister, Jean H. Snell of Chicago, Illinois; five nieces, Angela, Gayle, Aris, Azaia Snell, and Jessica Brown, all of Chicago, Illinois; one cousin, Judy Seals-Togbo; step-great-granddaughter, Ariel Simmons, (step great-great grand children Aiden, Elijah and Arianna) and one goddaughter, Angela Kennerly; along with extended family and treasured friends.

Visitation will be held at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, on May 3, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm, followed by the Omega Service at the same location on May 3, 2026, from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm. The Homegoing Service will take place at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, on May 4, 2026, from 11:00 am to 12:15 pm, with the Committal Service to follow at Volusia Memorial Park, 550 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, on May 4, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:00 pm. A Repast will be held at Volusia Memorial Funeral Home, 548 North Nova Road, Ormond Beach, FL 32174, on May 4, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm.