Claudia Connor Machen McBride

Funeral services for Claudia Connor Machen McBride will be held at 2:00 PM on Sunday, April 27, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Winnfield, with Dr. Jerry Pipes officiating. Interment will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the church on Sunday from 1:00 PM until time of service.
Serving as pallbearers will be Chris Adams, Steve Bates, Lynn Bankston, Kevin Chandler, Roger Machen, and D.C. Machen, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Tommy Bankston, Tommy Harrell, Bryan Price, Larry Manthei, Mickey Simmons and Charlie Bice.
Claudia passed from this life on Thursday, April 24, 2025, to dwell with her Heavenly Father forever. She was born on February 24, 1939, in Winnfield, Louisiana, to Gladys and Oliver K. Connor-a birthday she proudly and fondly reminded her family and friends of often.
A lifelong resident of Winnfield, Claudia graduated from Winnfield High School in 1957. She later earned her Bachelor's degree from Northwestern State University in 1973, and a Master's degree in librarianship in 1982. She began her teaching career in the Winnfield elementary schools in 1973 and served as a school librarian and educator until her retirement in 1993. Claudia was passionate about her work-especially the joy of introducing young children to the world of books.
She was active in numerous professional and community organizations, including a 40-year membership in the ADK Honorary Society for Women Educators, the Louisiana Library Association, Louisiana Retired Teachers, National Church Librarians, and Readers Review of Winnfield. Her dedication to her profession earned her Recognition of Excellence in Louisiana Library Programs.
Claudia's faith was foundational in her life. She became a Christian and was baptized at Laurel Heights Baptist Church, where she served faithfully in many capacities for 35 years. On March 23, 1980, she and her family moved their membership to First Baptist Church of Winnfield, where she continued to serve-most notably as Church Librarian and a member of several church committees.
Claudia met James R. Machen, when he moved to Winnfield in the fifth grade. High school sweethearts, they married on November 17, 1957, and were blessed with three sons: Michael, Mark, and Matt. Together, they created a life rooted in faith and family. One of their most cherished traditions was the annual family beach vacation during the first week of August-memories Claudia held dear long after the final trip in 2003. James passed away on November 1, 2003, after 46 years of marriage.
In 2005, Claudia married Dr. Jerold McBride. They lived in San Angelo, Texas, until his retirement, after which they returned to Winnfield. Dr. McBride passed from this life on May 11, 2017.
Claudia was preceded in death by her parents, Gladys and Oliver K. Connor; her first husband, James R. Machen; her second husband, Dr. Jerold R. McBride; and her beloved son, Mark.
Those left to cherish her memory include her children, Mike (Jennifer), and Matt (Michelle) and Margie. She is also survived by her grandchildren: Taylor, Megan, Sarah, Meredith, Paige, Kendall, and Tyler; and ten great-grandchildren who brought great joy to her later years.
Claudia lived a life marked by service, warmth, intellect, and love-forever remembered by the many lives she touched.
Friends may express messages of condolence to the family online by visiting southernfuneralhome.com