ANDREW GUY CLAIBORNE

My Life on earth was VERY GOOD, As earthly life can go, But PARADISE is so much more, Than anyone can know

Early on January 11, 2021 God called his disciple, Deacon Andrew Guy Claiborne to his heavenly home. Andrew also known as "Brown", "Claiborne", "Guy", "Pops", and "Papa" was a devoted Husband, Son, Father, Grandfather, Godfather, Brother, Uncle, Cousin and Friend. He was always available to lend a hand or offer a kind word to anyone. Deacon Claiborne exemplified his love for the Lord through his daily actions.

He was educated in the Surry County School System and graduated from LP Jackson High School. He attended JTCC, and the United States Air Force. He held many jobs, Newport News Shipyard, Brown & Williamson, DGSC, Philip Morris Leaf Processing, Reynolds Metals, all of which closed before he was retirement age. His favorite was contracting/carpentry work that he enjoyed during his free time.

Andrew was baptized at Oak Grove Baptist Church in Surry County. His faithfulness continued at Sharon Baptist Church, Fort Emory Road, North Dinwiddie. He sang in the choir, served as President of the Usher Ministry, Chairman of Trustee Board, Ordained as a Deacon September 12, 2012. Recipient of the Man of the Year Award. God's joy filled him and overflowed to his family, His motto was if you wake up in my house on Sunday morning, you go to church.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Jonah and Pearine Claiborne; his "Darling" granddaughter.Ebonee Claiborne; a brother, Arthur Claiborne; one sister, Marion Claiborne; infant great-granddaughter, Sakil Brown and mother and friend of three of his daughters, Addie Mae Baines.

Andrew leaves to treasure his memories: a loving wife, Carolyn Spriggs Claiborne; nine dedicated children whom he cherished, Andrew Clary (Tracy), Jacqueline Jones, Verla Claiborne (Payton), Vernon Claiborne (Toinette), Tressy, Pamela and Sharanda Baines, Malaka Spriggs and Deborah Clary (Gail); loving siblings who were also his best friends, James "Ollie" Claiborne, Curtis Claiborne (Evelyn) and Eric Claiborne of Richmond, VA, Sherwood Claiborne of Baltimore, MD, Jonah "Pete" Claiborne (Edith) of Surry County, VA, and a devoted sister, Mary Claiborne of Prince George, VA; one uncle, Lynn Claiborne (Barbara) of Waverly, VA; two aunts, Cora Claiborne of Baltimore, MD, and Sarah Claiborne of Wakefield, VA; god children, Christie "Bay" Johnson (Reshad), Marcellus Campbell (Alexis), Tara and Tionna Winfield and Janiyah White; and a host of cousins, nieces, nephews and friends. Andrew also leaves to treasure his memories: seventeen grandchildren that adored him, Tamikia, Keith, Katrell, Treon (Ryenne), Andrew "Ajay", Tyris, LaKisha, Shaua (Dwan), Kashaunda, Shamere, Shawnise (Edward), Shaniqua, Derrick "DJ", Shabria, Jaela, Shakayla, and Shayla; twenty-nine great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren who all loved their Papa (he was the babysitter of many and he helped to raise many. Jaela was his heart, the sun rose, shone and set on her. In his eyes, she could do no wrong, Kayla B who lived with him was his darling. His latest joy and love was little Miss Milah Brown. Papa assisted with her care from the age 8 weeks old and she is now 4 years old. They were truly inseparable and his stomach was her resting and sleeping place. Andrew loved children and children loved him.)

About 20 years ago, Deacon Claiborne took on a new family love. Everyone knew he loved children and children loved him, but this time he had taken on a new mother. Andrew called First Lady Obena Anderson mother and she called him son. His new mother was very smitten with him and never missed an opportunity to acknowledge him whether it be his birthday, Father's Day or Christmas, First Lady Obena and Pastor Anderson were there with their arms stretched wide. Andrew appreciated meaningful, spiritual guidance and the love they showed him.

Andrew also leaves to cherish precious memories of his wonderful sister and brother-in-law, Charles and Debra Spriggs Brooks. They traveled, cruised and attended many Redskin football games together. They were pinch hitters for one another, when Andrew couldn't hit the ball, Charles stepped in and the same went for Charles. They were there for each other, true road dogs ride or die. They loved each other like Fred and Barney, like Wilma and Betty or Ricky and Fred and Lucy and Ethel. Do you know these people? Yes the ball team has taken a hit, our circle has been broken but God has blessed us with a new pinch hitter. Before Andrew parted his earthly home, he had the opportunity to meet his new sister-in-law, Rev. Margie Jackson Spriggs McKelvey who also like him has a soft spirit, a beautiful smile, a kind heart, and so willing to lend a helping hand to her new sister Andrew's wife.

"Andrew Life was a blessing, His memory a treasure, You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure"

Services will be held 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 23, 2021 at The Grounds of Sharon Baptist Church, 26804 Fort Emory Road, North Dinwiddie, VA, Rev. Terry Norman, Pastor. The interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The family may be contacted by calling (804) 862-1684.

Please follow the CDC and State of Virginia guidelines.

J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc. Facebook page.