Earsley Claudine Huddleston Maddox, 88, formerly of Shelby, NC passed away on Monday, February 22, 2021 in Jacksonville, FL.

She was born on June 27, 1932 in Cleveland County, NC to the late Jonas Huddleston and the late Lizzie McBrayer Huddleston.

Claudine was blessed to have met her future forever husband, James Edward Maddox, Jr, at the early age of 5. They grew up together before marrying on July 6, 1952. "Deeks" as she was affectionately called by her loving husband of 68 ½ years.

She was a long standing member of Shoal Creek Baptist Church where she often sang and played hymns. Additionally, she served as a Sunday School teacher, organist/pianist for the youth and adult choirs. She often taught others how to play the piano and for many years, Claudine was a missionary member and a leader for the4H club.

Claudine was a talented woman. Working 15 years for Fiber Industries and was a dietician at the Camp School. Cooking, canning, sewing, knitting, crocheting, needlepoint, macramé, and gardening were some of her many talents. During her downtime you would often findher completing countless pages of word find puzzles. Her many grandchildren and great-grandchildren always brought a smile to her face.

Claudine was proceeded in death by her parents along with 8 brothers, Jonas Huddleston Jr, Homer K. Huddleston, William Huddleston, Glen H. Smith, Shadrack Smith, Necota Smith, Evans Beam and Jesse Huddleston; and four sisters, Lyda Sue McCluney, Patria "Pate" Ross, Ola Nocomis Hopper and Mary Lois Ellis.

Left to cherish Claudine's sweet memories are her loving husband, James Edward Maddox Jr, her daughter, Enola Gay Maddox Gilmore (Artis) of Jacksonville Fl; and two sons, James Christopher Maddox (Norma) and Alvin Navon Maddox, of Shelby, North Carolina; and one sister, Christine Harrell; one brother, James Beam; nine grandchildren: Shawna Danielle Gilmore, Priya Doreen Gilmore Matthews (Mark), Tifany Rachel Gilmore, Otis James Gilmore, Artis Gilmore II, Kristal Joy Maddox, Jason Nevon Maddox, Alan Christopher Maddox, Tonikia Freeman; and 5 great-grandchildren: Mia Aliyah Matthews, Mark Anthony Matthews Jr, Payton Gilmore Matthews, Elise NorliaGetward, and Layah Morgan Maddox.

Moments before her passing, Claudine turned to her daughter, Enola, and softly said, "I think I want to go home and sit with Daddy." She now has everlasting peace, and we look forward to embracing her again one day when God calls us home.

Special thanks to all family and friends for extending your prayers and assistance during our time of bereavement. We are grateful for your thoughtfulness.

The funeral service for Mrs. Maddox will be private. The service will be livestreamed on FaceBook starting at 2:45 PM on Saturday, March 13, 2021. She can be viewed from 12:00 Noon until 2:00 PM on Saturday, March 13, 2021 at Shoal Creek Baptist Church. Burial will take place at the church cemetery. Condolences can be expressed online at www.enloemortuary.com. Enloe Mortuary is in charge of the arrangements.