Claudia Mae Irby was the fourth child of eleven children born to the late Deacon Arthur Guthridge, Sr. and Rose Pullum Guthridge. She was born on April 20, 1933 in Selma, Alabama in Dallas County. She departed this life on March 14, 2020 at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.
Claudia grew up and attended high school in Selma, Alabama. After marrying Johnny Irby on July 19, 1952, she relocated to California. As the wife of a man with a career in the Air Force, Claudia lived in a number of places in the United States, but spent most of her married life at the Chanute Air Force Base located in Rantoul, Illinois. In 1968, she returned to New Jersey to help care for her father where she remained until her death on March 14, 2020.
Claudia did not like to travel and spent most of her time enjoying cooking for others. Her pineapple coconut cake was always a family favorite at holiday gatherings. She loved Al Green's smooth soulful music. Some of her favorite songs were "Simply Beautiful," "Let's stay together," and "For the good times." She also loved the lyrics of one of Al Green's gospel classics, "Jesus will fix it. I know Jesus will fix for you. For he knows what to do. Whenever I pray let him have his way, Because I know Jesus will fix it for you." Claudia was also an avid western movie fan.
As a young woman, Claudia joined Providence Baptist Church in Cliffwood, New Jersey where she served for many years as an usher. Due to health concerns, she has not been able to attend church for the past several years, but still remained a member receiving communion on a regular basis at her home.
Claudia was predeceased by her daughter Barbara Irby in 2003; two (2) sisters Lula Hollis and Rose Harris; five (5) brothers Arthur Guthridge Jr., James Guthridge, William Guthridge Sr., John Guthridge and David Guthridge.
She leaves to mourn two (2) sons Melvin Guthridge (Marian) of Cliffwood, NJ; Johnny Irby Jr. (Pamela) of Warner Robbins, Georgia; two (2) daughters Geraldine Irby of Holmdel, NJ, Sheila Hollis of Perth Amboy, NJ; three (3) sisters Shirley Macon (Zan), Rev. Ruth Scott (Rev. Hosie), Doris Young (Pete-deceased); one (1) aunt Ella Mitchell of Cliffwood, NJ; a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
*Due to Covid-19 funeral services will be limited to 50 people*
