Claudia Mae Gardner was born December 30, 1943 in Middlesex, North Carolina to Azell Williams O'Neal. Claudia relocated to Newark, New Jersey where she met and later married Jacob Gardner on July 17, 1965. To that union two children were born, David and Veronica. The family moved to Irvington in 1977. Claudia was a school bus driver for in Irvington for many years.

Claudia is survived by her husband, Jacob Gardner; children, David and Veronica; and two grandchildren, Justin and ZaRae Gardner. She is also survived by her brothers and sisters, Retha Mae O'Neal of Selma, NC, Doris Ann Earp of Selma, NC, Deborah Vance of Jacksonville, NC, James Earl O'Neal of Louisburg, NC, Bobby Williams of Selma, NC, Frank O'Neal Jr. of Selma, NC, and Tommy O'Neal of Smithfield, NC; a special cousin, Willie Williams of Kenly, NC; and nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Claudia was predeceased by her mother, Azell Williams O'Neal; stepfather, James Thomas O'Neal; parental guidance parents, Mr. and Mrs. Charlie and Anna Williams of Middlesex, NC; two sisters, Clara S. Williams Holder and Maryann O'Neal, both of Selma.

Online condolences may be sent to the family at parrishfh.com.