She was the sixth of seven children born to the Rev. John Henry Bryant and Rachel Matilda (Hudgens) Bryant. She died peacefully at her home in Washington DC on November 11th, 2022.
Claudia was a dedicated nurse who found great rewards in caring for critically ill patients and spent the last years of her nursing career working in the Burn & Trauma unit of the Washington Hospital Center (WHC) in Washington DC. She was tireless and undaunted in her efforts and was selected to direct the Skin Bank at WHC. After completion of her training, she (almost single-handedly) set up and administered the most efficient skin bank on the East Coast.
It was at this point in her life that she met her husband (Tony) who’s Laboratory was located in the same Research Building. After a brief courtship, Claudia and Tony were married on June 23rd, 1996, and enjoyed 26 years of a blissful relationship. They travelled all over Europe (England, Spain, Italy & France). They also visited Guyana and Barbados (homes of Tony’s ancestors) and made two trips to Hawaii (to Kona and Maui). She witnessed the “red glow” from the slowly erupting volcano in Kona and saw a “school of dolphins” frolicking on the waves of the Pacific Ocean in Maui.
Claudia loved animals, especially small dogs and birds, both of which she had as pets. She became famous in her neighborhood for her collection of parrots (Harvey, Simon & Sparkey) and her ‘blue & gold’ macaw (Fred). She spoke and sang to them constantly and they (especially Simon) imitated her voice. She also loved the outdoors and eagerly looked forward to getting her garden going in the Spring.
Claudia who’s only child (Marilyn) died on November 5th, 2021, is survived by her husband Tony, her only living sibling Wawona (Nonie), her grandchildren Rachel, Renee and Phillip and eleven great-grandchildren. Her Tennessee family include the Deathridges - Don (deceased) and his wife Janice (children Edwin and Patrice), Larry, Mark and his wife Gloria (children Devin and Markesia) and David (wife Charlese). They are descendants of her favorite sister Tan. From her only brother LaDonald there are the Bryants - nephews, LaDonald Jr, Michael and Kelley. Claudia also has three surviving nieces from Tennessee: Arnetta, Jackie, and Gloria (son Dale).
Claudia loved her family and proudly assumed the role of “matriarch” – she was truly blessed.
