Claudia was born on December 17, 1918 to the late Mamie and William Childs in Yatesville, Georgia. She attended Columbus High School and was apart of the 1936 graduating class before she attended business college and obtained her Associate's Degree. Claudia was a hard working woman who held many jobs through her life; she was employed at CB&T and then a secretary at Richards Middle School, Hardaway High School, and the Bradley Center. After meeting the love of her life, Billy Brescia, they married and created a beautiful family—they were married 72 years before his passing in 2013.
Claudia was a woman of faith, she was member of First Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia for 95 years. She was also a part of the Elaine Hammond Sunday school class, the Senior Adult Choir, and helped when the food closet at First Baptist Church was started. She loved volunteering at church, knitting, and playing bridge with dear friends.
She is preceded in death by her loving husband, Billy Brescia, her parents, Dr. William J. and Mamie M. Childs, her sons, Bill and David Brescia, her sisters Tressie Carter, Dot Wolf, and Anne Griggs.
Claudia is survived by many, including her daughter Becky Johnson, son-in-law Joe Johnson, daughter-in-law Debbie Brescia, grandsons Jody, Jeff, and Mark Johnson, David Brescia Jr., granddaughter Becca Brescia-Brooks, great-grandchildren Will, Chase, Emma, and Turner Johnson, Betsy and Benjamin Brescia, Tatum, Conner, and Adrianne Dobbins, as well as great-great-grandson Kayden Dobbins. She is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
A visitation for family and friends will be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025 from 10:30 AM - 11:00 AM at the Chapel of the Pines in Parkhill Cemetery, 4161 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia, 31907. A service to honor Claudia's life will be officiated by Dr. Jimmy Elder and will follow visitation at 11:00 AM.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the food closet at First Baptist Church.
The family of Claudia Brescia would like to give special thanks to the caregivers and staff of Gentiva Hospice.
