Brother Thelton Charles Claiborne

BKA: "Head" & "TC"

Thelton Charles Claiborne, age 59 years, of Varnado, Louisiana, departed this life on Tuesday, January 17, 2012 at the Northshore Specialty Hospital in Covington, Louisiana.

He was born February 1, 1952 to the late Sam & Viola Claiborne. His mother later remarried, and "TC" was reared by his step-father, the late Truly Cotton.

Thelton Charles was better known by all as "Head" during his younger days. When he became an employee at the hospital, he then became "TC".

TC" attended Jones Creek Elementary School in Varnado, LA., and then attended Wesley Ray High School, in Angie, LA. He was a well-known student and was a very active basketball player for the Wesley Ray High School Eagles. Thelton Charles Claiborne received his high school diploma from Wesley Ray High School Class of 1970.

His employment history includes years at Avondale Shipyard, and he worked for a few years at a Jackson, Mississippi Hospital. He returned back home, and was hired at the Bogalusa Community Medical Center as a porter. He worked there for many, many years. Because of his extensive experience in the medical field, "TC" was employed as an aid and later became a home healthcare professional. He was a favorite of many patients and their caretakers. He had a way with his male patients and the family members loved him for the care he gave to his patients.

Thelton became a member of the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, in Varnado, LA., at an early age. He was baptized under the leadership of the late Rev. A. L. Owens. He later served on the Usher Board under the leadership of his brother, Rev. Dr. Linza R. Cotton. "Head" served proudly on the Usher Board until his health began to fail.

He is survived by two daughters; Nikita "Nikki" Warren, of Hammond, LA., and Danica "Big Red" Brumfield, of Antioch, TN., two grandchildren; Sha'khiry Foster and Reggie "Kardell" Riley Jr., his step-mother, Evetta Claiborne, six brothers; Jackie Robinson, Gilbert Lee Moses, Rev. Dr. Linza Rae (Karen) Cotton, Truly James Cotton, Willie Earl Cotton, and Ronnie Paul Cotton. He leaves four sisters to cherish his memories; Claudia Jean Robinson, Clara (Minister Lorandy) Thompson, Cynthia (Gary) Mingo, and Angel (Rev. Nolan) Robinson. He leaves his memories to a special friend, Mary Ann Reed and her two grandchildren; Javion Reed and Byren Reed, his aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members, and a host of friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; Truly & Viola Cotton, his father, Sam Claiborne, his maternal grandparents; Charlie (Wilma) Lewis, and his paternal grandparents, the late James & Sarah Claiborne.

Visitation will be Friday, Jan 20, 2012, at Cook- Richmond Funeral Home, from 2:00 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. A Family Hour will be held Friday evening at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church, Varnado, LA., from 6:00 P.M. -8:00 P.M. Funeral services will be held at the New Zion Missionary Baptist Church on Saturday, January 21, 2012, at 2:00 P.M. Rev. Dr. Linza R. Cotton will officiate.

Burial will follow in the Moses Cemetery, in Varnado, LA.