Valorra Claiborne

Miss Valorra M. “Chu Chu” Claiborne, 70, of Boulevard Townhomes, Wilkes-Barre, entered eternal rest Wednesday evening in the Wilkes-Barre General Hospital following an illness.
Born May 13, 1938 in Wilkes-Barre, she was a daughter of the late Benjamin H. and Marion O. (Dooley) Claiborne. Educated in the city schools, she was a member of the 1955 graduating class of GAR Memorial High School, Wilkes-Barre. She furthered her education by attaining an associates degree in criminal law from Luzerne County Community College, Nanticoke, where she also served on the college’s Diversity Board. She later took additional classes in her major at King’s College, Wilkes-Barre.
Until illness caused her early retirement, she had been employed as a caretaker for Little Flower Manor, and previously for the Commission on Economic Opportunity, both of Wilkes-Barre. Prior to that, she worked in the administrative offices for the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Department of Corrections in Chase, where she also taught several classes to the inmates.
Miss Claiborne was a lifelong member of Mount Zion Baptist Church, Wilkes-Barre, where she faithfully shared her gift of voice by being a former member of the Junior Choir, a member and past president of the Senior Choir, and served on the United Voices choir at church. She also chaired the annual Youth Celebration at church for over 10 years.
Her love of music transcended her vocal ministry, as she performed as a jazz singer with various local big bands. She also served on the board of the Wilkes-Barre Housing Authority.
She was preceded in death by a sister, Myrtle Miller; and by brothers, Harold, Wilbur and Donald Miller and Benjamin Claiborne.
She leaves to mourn her loss, her beloved sisters, Gladys Miller, Sandra Lee and Patricia Burton, all of Wilkes-Barre; a niece, Brittney Miller, Wilkes-Barre, of whom Valorra served as legal guardian; and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces and great-great-nephews.
Home going services for Miss Claiborne will be conducted on Wednesday at 11 a.m. from the Mount Zion Baptist Church, 105 Hill Street, Wilkes-Barre, with the Rev. Michael E. Brewster, her pastor, officiating. Interment will be in Oaklawn Cemetery, South Main Street, Hanover Township.
Friends may call on Tuesday evening from 5 until 7 p.m. at the church. For additional information, or to send Miss Claiborne’s family an online condolence, please visit www.JohnVMorrisFuneralHomes.com . The John V. Morris - Charles J. Leagus Funeral Home, 281 East Northampton Street, Heights section of Wilkes-Barre, is assisting Valorra’s family with the arrangements.