ForeverMissed
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Her Life
April 11, 2013

Claudia McLaughlin was born on January 7, 1930 to the union of Frank McLaughlin, Sr. and Claudie Ragland McLaughlin in Hogansville, GA.  She was the second born out of four children.  Claudia was educated in the public school system of Hogansville, GA.

Claudia’s maternal instinct and desire to build a family blessed her with giving birth to two loving sons: DeWitt, Sr. and Donald, Sr.a strong woman, she raised these two sons with the late John D. Allison who proceeded her in death in 1957.

Later on in years, Claudia met her prince charming in Georgia and later married Clarence Lakes on August 10, 1969.after, she moved to Columbus, Ohio to begin her life with Clarence.became an active member of the Tabernacle Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio and remained active in her community.

Claudia worked for the Ohio State University Department of Services and ended her career and lifelong relationships when she retired., She traveled Europe and Africa and a host of cities within in the United States.

Claudia accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at St. Mary United Methodist Church in Hogansville, GA.was a faithful church member and active in the Women’s Ministry. was always willing to serve and help the church by staying active in programs amongst the church.

Claudia’s strong desire for staying active led her to establish long-lasting friendships and sisterhood.in Columbus, Ohio, Claudia held leadership positions in the Order of the Eastern Star and Daughters of Sphinx and many other positions in other various organizations.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Clarence in June of 1983.was also preceded in death by her father; Frank McLaughlin Sr., her mother; Claudie Ragland McLaughlin, a sister; Mary Ella Cole, a brother; Frank McLaughlin Jr., a son; DeWitt McLaughlin, and just recently in the last month, her youngest sister; Lula M. Johnson (brother-in-law; Rev. Cornelius V. Johnson, II).

She leaves to cherish her memory, sole remaining loving son Donald Allison, Sr. and dedicated daughter-in-law (Stella), Marietta, GA; daughter-in-law, Celestine McLaughlin Robbins, Atlanta, GA; two sister-in-laws: Mildred Lakes Copeland (Rev.), Columbus, OH; and Nora McLaughlin Hogansville, GA.

Claudia was blessed to have the endurance to live a long life and leaves to cherish her memory a host of grandchildren, Sonia Allison Henderson (Carey), Chicago, IL; Tameka Allison, Marietta, GA; Donald Allison, Jr. (Crystal), Chattanooga, TN; and Sontisha Allison, Marietta, GA;McLaughlin Sisk, Atlanta, GA; and Dewitt McLaughlin, Jr., Atlanta, GA; host of great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and special friends.

Claudia Lakes will be greatly missed.will cherish her memory and look forward to reuniting with her one day.