Claudia Ernestine Brown of Sicklerville, New Jersey passed away suddenly on January 13th, 2023.

Claudia Ernestine Welch was born on June 8th, 1944, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Jessie (nee Hollis) and Ernest Welch. She grew up in a loving home with her mother Jessie, step father Andrew (Poppy) Robinson, and younger siblings Maeceon, Stevie, and Marie. She attended the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament School and went on to graduate from West Catholic for Girls Highschool. One of her favorite school memories to share was being a member of the glee club and singing a solo from "The Sound of Music".

She met her first husband David Diggs in 1962 and from that union, two daughters, Wanda and Carmen were born.  In 1967 she met and went on to marry Harry Ray Brown, Jr. and from that union she welcomed daughters Alia, Aisha, and Ashley. They raised the "Fabulous Five" in a loving home in Sicklerville, New Jersey which is where they hosted annual family gatherings, BBQ's, holiday celebrations, and reunions.

Anyone who knew Claudia and Ray knew the love they had for their 5 girls.  She was best known as "Ms. Claudia the neighborhood babysitter". Everyone she came into contact with, grew to love her. She was a very caring person who always thought about the needs of others. She was delighted to be able to attend her children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren's sporting events, music recitals, graduations, etc. with her devoted husband Ray. She loved to travel to places such as Jamaica and Madeira Beach with her dear sister, Marie and good friend Pat. She was a "Jazzy Lady" who loved music and line dancing.

After being employed as a paraprofessional for more than 20 years she retired from the Winslow Township School System and considered moving to Atlanta where her good friend Roz lived. Instead, she chose to stay local to care for her youngest grandchildren. Her most recent fondest memory was her family trip to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico for Christmas 2022.

Claudia is preceded in death by her sisters, Maeceon, Arnetta, and Valina; brothers Michael, Ernest, Jr. and Stevie. She is survived by Husband Ray, sisters, Marie (Leon), Becky, Charmaine; daughters, Wanda, Carmen, Alia (Al), Aisha (Scott), Ashley (Larry); grandchildren Fatima, Marquis, Jasmine, Ayana (Hasaan), TJ (Gabby), Ebonie, Donovan, Diamyn, Liam, Leara, Liana, LJ; great grandchildren, Kai, Alani, and Nyomi; niece Carla; nephews Dan(Kelly), Aaron (Kyra), and a host of in-laws, cousins, friends, and colleagues.

Relatives and friends are invited to her viewing on Saturday, January 21st from 9:00 – 11:00 AM at the Farnelli Funeral Home, 504 N. Main Street, Williamstown.  Cremation will be held privately.