May 5, 1949 – February 19, 2023
Minister Richard J. Claiborne, Jr., 73, affectionately known as “Junie”, passed away peacefully in his home on Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2023.
He was born to the late Deacon Richard J. and Deaconess Willie M. Claiborne, Sr. He was a lifelong residence of Hopewell, VA where he resided until his passing. He was married to his very devoted wife Janet Harris Claiborne for 49 years. Out of that union he became the proud father of three beautiful daughters: Danielle Claiborne-Roache, Chevon Claiborne, and Jennifer Claiborne.
Richard attended the Hopewell Public Schools. After which he joined the U. S. Army where he served for 10 years. He worked at Firestone for 9 years and later started his own business “Claiborne General Contractor”.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Deacon Richard John and Deaconess Willie Mae Claiborne, Sr.; two sisters, Betty Mae Fitzgerald and Barbara D. Mason; one brother, Clyde W. Claiborne; maternal grandparents, Deacon Willie and Mattie R. H. Mease; paternal grandparents, Stewart John Franklin Claiborne and Annie Mason Claiborne; and his mother-in-law, Mrs. Delores Harris.
The number one most favorite thing he loved to do was witness to people about the love of Jesus. Secondly, he loved fishing and boating. Thirdly, he loved playing computer games.
Left to cherish his memory is his devoted wife, Janet Harris Claiborne; three daughters, Danielle Claiborne-Roache (Eugene Jr.) of Prince George, VA, Chevon Claiborne of Hopewell, VA, and Jennifer Claiborne of Prince George, VA; one brother, Willie S. Claiborne (Tara) of Colonial Heights; three sisters, LaFrance Cook (Mickey), Vanessa Patrick and Mildred Johnson (Ronald Jr.) all of Hopewell, VA; six grandchildren, Daniel Claiborne, Eugene Roache III, Nailah Claiborne, Nasir Bennett, Elijah Grant, and Darius Bradford, Jr. ; one uncle, Oliver James (Claudette); father-in-law, James Harris of Baltimore, MD; two brothers-in-law, James Harris, Jr. (Sandi) of Arlington, TX and Edmund Harris (Barbara) of Medford, NJ; two god sisters, April Turner (Jerome) of Baltimore, MD and Joann Person (Junior) of Prince George, VA;a host of nieces, nephews and friends. To name a few of his closest friends, Wade Sellers, Charles White, Christopher German, Rico Thomas, James Cole, Greg Morton, and Charles Savannah. If by chance we have missed some, we apologize, but please remember you already know who you are!
Rest in peace Minister Richard Claiborne. Your final expression was that of sweet rest and peace. We believe you were accompanied by the angels as you went from labor to reward. We will see you on the other side.
A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M., Monday, February 27, 2023 in the Chapel of J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, Elder Mildred Johnon, eulogist and Elder Dominic Holloway, officiating.
J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., 102 South Avenue, Petersburg, VA, (804) 732-8911. Watch the funeral services live online on our J. M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment, Inc., www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.