Claude Franklin

White, Sr.

Deacon Claude Franklin White Sr., of Glen Allen, departed this life May 17, 2025. He was born May 17, 1936 in Hanover, Virginia and raised in Henrico County, Virginia. Deacon White was the son of the late Robert and Geneva White of Shady Grove Road in Glen Allen, Virginia. He was the eldest of five children and two adopted brothers.

Deacon White married Henrietta Smith White in 1959 and they were married for 58 years before her death in 2012. From early childhood, Deacon White grew up in Abner Baptist Church along with his parents and siblings.

He attended Springfield Elementary School and graduated from Virginia Randolph High school in 1954. Springfield closed in the 1950's and was converted into a home for Deacon White and his family.

Deacon White joined the Navy in 1955, serving in Spain, Japan, Greece, Taiwan, the Philippines and Vietnam. He was also stationed stateside in Maryland, California, Texas and Virginia. Claude White Sr. retired from the Navy in Corpus Christi, Texas after 20 years of honorable service.

In 1979 Deacon White began working at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard, giving another 20 years of exceptional service before finally retiring in 1999. After retirement, Claude Sr., along with his family moved back to the Richmond area to be near his extended family.

Upon coming home to Glen Allen, Claude returned to Abner Baptist Church, serving in such ministries as the Usher's Ministry and Oasis Ministry as well as Chairing the Second Touch Ministry and Scholarship Committee. Claude White Sr. was given the honor of serving as a Deacon and ultimately Deacon Emeritus.

After church he enjoyed having brunch with family and friends. If you could not find Deacon White at home, you could often find him at Walmart. Claude's son and daughter-in-law relocated to the area to be closer to his father and sister. Deacon White enjoyed spending time at his son's home, sitting on the back patio in his favorite chair, just looking at the lake.

Although he traveled the world, Deacon White always showed his love for Abner Baptist Church and remained true to his roots here in Henrico County, Virginia.

In addition to his parents, Robert and Geneva White and wife, Henrietta Smith White, Deacon White was also preceded in death by one sister, Edith Jackson and one adopted brother,  Curtis Turner.

Left to cherish his memory are his daughter, Wendy D. White; son, Claude F. White Jr. (Susan); two grandchildren, Megan P. White and Kelsey K. Murphy (Shawn); one great-grandson, Camden Murphy; two sisters, Gloria Parker and Dieyah Rasheed; brother, Robert L. White Jr.; adopted brother, Tyrone Workman; a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews; sister-in-law, Leatrice Lee; other relatives and many friends.

Deacon White's love and kindness will be missed by all.

Remains rest at Scott's Funeral Home, 115 E. Brookland Park Blvd. where viewing will be held from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 27, 2025. Funeral services will be held 11 a.m. Wednesday, May 28 at Abner Baptist Church, 15143 Abner Church Road, Glen Allen, VA. Rev. Jaimal C. Hayes, officiating. Interment Roselawn Memory Gardens.