Claudia was born on July 21, 1912, in Pittsylvania County, Va., and went to her promised reward on Sept. 29, 2011.

She passed peacefully in Blacksburg, Va. surrounded and cared for by her family and friends.

Claudia spent her early life in Danville, Va.. and spent 43 years in Southampton County, Va., the place she dearly loved. She loved her little home on the corner in Courtland, Va.

She was a member of Courtland Baptist Church.

She lived in Blacksburg with her son and daughter-in-law for the past eight years due to health problems. She was vibrant and happy until recently.

Claudia was predeceased by her husband of 57 years, Herman Lee York; her parents, Buck Sheppard and Ola Ragsdale Marshall; three brothers, all WWII veterans; and two sisters.

Survivors include Robert York and wife, Nancy, of Whitset, N.C.; Michael York and wife, Mary Biggs, of Blacksburg, Va.; Deborah York and fiancée, David Briel, of Alexandria, Va.; granddaughters, Carley and Meagan; and her cat, Gracie. Two nephews and two nieces survive.

A memorial service will be held at McCoy Funeral Home Chapel at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 2, 2011, with the Rev. Gary McCoy officiating. Interment will be in the spring, her favorite time, in Highland Burial Park, Danville, Va., alongside her husband.

Family will be at 701 Hutcheson Drive, Blacksburg, Va., and welcomes visitors. Memories, cards and condolences may be sent to the above address.

The family wishes to thank Montgomery Regional Hospital staff, Good Samaritan Hospice and the Agency on Aging. Also, devoted caregivers, Melissa, Cindy, Karen, and all who have been close to Claudia through the years.

Donations as memorials would be appreciated to your local Rescue Squad, Agency on Aging, or church of your choice.