Florence Marie Claggion was born to the late James and Otelia Brown, on April 18, 1947. She was born in Norfolk County, also known as the Twin Pines area, of Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a Class of 1965 graduate of Crestwood High School. After high school, she obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Finance from Norfolk State University.
Florence spent most of her adult life in New Jersey where she married the late James Claggion Jr and raised their three children.
Florence retired, after 34 years of service, as the Director of Finance and Budget with the Housing and Urban Development (H.U.D) located in Newark, New Jersey. Florence and James chose to retire to the Chesapeake, Virginia area to enjoy retirement near where they were raised.
Florence led a very vibrant and full life in her retirement. She was a Chesapeake senior who enjoyed Zumba, exercising at the local YMCA, traveling between her children’s homes to spend time with her grandchildren, as well as, traveling with her lifelong friends several times a year. Florence truly loved and adored her family and this bought her tremendous joy.
Florence was a proud member of the M.G.T. (Muslim Girl Training) of the Nation of Islam, N.A.R.F.E (National Active & Retired Federal Employees) and the following local clubs: Southside Pioneers, Distinguished Seniors and Silver Strands.
On April 28, 2021, Florence transitioned peacefully, at home, surrounded by her three children James, Jamaal and Asya.
Florence is survived by her three children, James Claggion III of Chesapeake, Va. (Angel Claggion), Jamaal Claggion of Lorton, Va. (Tanesha Claggion), and Asya Claggion-Wyche of Lumberton, NJ (Waymouth Wyche); nine grandchildren: the late James “JC” Claggion IV (2018), Christian “CJ” Claggion, Deandre Newby, Jamaal “LJ” Claggion Jr., Jordyn Claggion, Jasoni Marie Welch, Jasmyn Claggion, Aamillah Claggion, Ava Rippey and Alani Marie Claggion. Two siblings: Elaine Smith of Virginia Beach, Va. (Ferley Smith) and Naim Jihad of Newport News, Va. (Sheila Jihad), as well as, a host of other relatives and friends.
