Mrs. Claudette Harrell Gallman

Claudette Theresa Harrell Gallman made her earthly appearance on December 27, 1941, in New Orleans, Louisiana. She was the only child born to Gabrella Balanciere (Harrell) Gaines and Otto Harrell. Claudette was educated in the New Orleans Catholic School system at Saint Monica School before moving to Staten Island, New York and completing her secondary education at Port Richmond High School. Claudette also studied at West Chester State University and Penn State University. Claudette's career encompassed administrative positions at IBM, Cedarbrook Presbyterian Church, Saint Christophers Hospital, University of Pennsylvania Hospital, Reynolds Metal, and the State of Georgia. Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to spend many years selling art as an Artistic Impressions Consultant and as owner of One Amazing Cruise.
Claudette was raised in the Catholic Church she began worshiping as a Presbyterian when she joined Tioga Presbyterian Church, Philadelphia, PA in 1963, where she became a Deacon in 1970. While a member of the Tioga Presbyterian Church choir she recorded a gospel album "Let Not Your Heart be Troubled" in the 70's. Claudette joined Central Presbyterian Church in Downingtown, PA in 1979 and remained a member until she moved to Atlanta, GA in 1993. As a resident of Georgia, she again joined Central Presbyterian Church, this time in Atlanta, GA where she remained a member until 2020. Claudette made her final church home at McDonough Presbyterian Church.
In the late 1950's Claudette was introduced to the love of her life, Max by their mothers who knew that they would be perfect for each other. On May 5th, 1962, Claudette and Max wed and began their 61-year earthly union. Three children were born to this union. Claudette and Max enjoyed exposing their children to diversity each vacation was not just fun but an opportunity to expose their children to the world, different cultures and historical landmarks. Family vacations to the 1976 Olympics in Montreal, Camping at Assateague Island National Seashore Park, and trip to Sapphire Mountain, NC were just some of the ways they created lifelong memories as a family. Claudette and Max nurtured their children instilling the importance of family bonding by sending them for summers in Louisiana and faithfully attending bi-annual family reunions.
Claudette and Max loved to travel so much that she became a cruise coordinator. Some of Claudette's favorites travels include Panama, Alaska, The Grand Canyon and Busan, Korea.
Serve one another humbly (Galatians 5:13-14) Claudette's life reflected this bible verse, Claudette was a humble servant to all. She has served as girl scout leader, den mother, team mom and as a member of The International Lions Club. Claudette was dedicated to making a difference in those she encountered. As a member of the Griffin Lion's club, she was instrumental in growing the chapter. She served as past president of the Griffin's Lions as well in several other executive board positions and was their number one recruiter. She was responsible for establishing several signature events such as their annual Mardi Gras, Jazz Brunch, Food Cook- off and Cruises which were huge fundraisers for the club. Despite her illnesses, Claudette faithfully attended all Lion's local, state, and international functions. Claudette's loving spirit allowed her to forge Lion friends throughout District 18L, the State and Internationally. Claudette's service as a Lion led to her receiving the highest honor bestowed by the organization The Melvin Jones Fellowship Award, the International President's Award, being named to the Lion Hall of Fame and local Lion of the Year. In 2015, Claudette was named "Neil Flit's Community Champion" because of her service to the community.
"Oh Shucks, now" time to talk about Nana's grandbabies. Claudette to us but Nana to her beloved grand and great grandchildren, Nana cherished and had special relationships with each of them. Even in her final days seeing pictures of her newest great granddaughter and learning of her next great grandson brought her warm and infectious smiles. Just as she did with her children, she has taught them to believe and have faith in God, be of service to mankind and to love family unconditionally.
Claudette leaves a legacy of love to her husband of 61 years Max, sons Bryan (Rosalina), Anthony (Renee) Gallman, daughter Renee Gallman-Jones (Chet), grandchildren Reginald (Brittany)Phillips, Joshua Gallman, Sydney Hill, Jonathan Jones, Gabriela Jones, Braden Gallman, and Brenna Gallman. Great Grandchildren Janiyah Gallman, Brooklynn Phillips, Kenzo Egbe, and Jianna Gallman. A son in love Philip (Amy) Covin and a host of family and friends. She joins her father Otto Harrell, Mother Gabrella Balanciere (Harrell) Gaines, Stepfather Matthew Gaines, Mother in Law Evelyn Gist Lee and Son in Law Addison Jones in eternal rest.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, March 9, 2023, from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM at Burden's Funeral Home. A Home Going Celebration will be held on Friday, March 10, 2013, at 11:00 AM in the Chapel at Burden's Funeral Home. The body will lie in state one hour prior to the service hour. Interment will folloe in Jackson City Cemetery. Rev. Bryan Gallman (her son) is the Eulogist.
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