Claudine Cox

Claudine L. Cox PORTSMOUTH - Claudine Leathers Cox was born Nov. 1, 1935, in Tarboro, N.C. She was the third of six children born to the late Dock and Bennie Wilkins Leathers. When she was about 5-years-old, her parents moved the family to Portsmouth. As a child, Claudine loved school and did very well academically. She made friends easily even though she was somewhat shy. Her friends led her to attend church at First Baptist South Portsmouth, where her parents eventually joined due to her enthusiasm. Claudine sang in the young adult choir, worked with Vacation Bible School and worked with youth. She attended Portsmouth Public Schools and graduated from I.C. Norcom and later from the Norfolk Division of Virginia State College. It was no surprise that she would choose to pursue a degree in education. While attending Norfolk State, she was a majorette (a "Golden Girl") with the band. Claudine began a career with Portsmouth Public Schools in 1960 and retired in 1997. Her last teaching position was with Churchland High School as an English teacher. Claudine loved her church and family and relished the time she spent with them. She attended Faith Evangelical Church of Portsmouth. She looked forward to weekly family reunions at her house on Sundays. Her husband, Leslie O. Cox Sr., parents and sister, Annie L. Redd Chavis, predeceased Claudine. She is survived by one daughter, Claudia Cox-Wynn; three sons, Leslie O. Cox Jr., David A. Cox and Antony J. Cox; grandchildren, Johnny Barrow-Cox, Faith and Christian Wynn, Jadira Leslie Jones, Demarcus Greene; special "daughters," LaNita and Rita; sisters, Lizzie L. Godley and Velma L. Brown (Redell); brothers, Isaac Marshall Leathers (Barbara) and the Rev. Marvin Leathers (the Rev. Phyllis Leathers) and many relatives and friends. A funeral will take place at First Baptist Church South Portsmouth, 1445 Centre Ave., Portsmouth, VA 23704 on Saturday, Aug. 8, at 11 a.m. A wake will be held at Corprew Funeral Home Friday, Aug. 7.