News Summary
Claudine Harrell White, a renowned singer and actress, has passed away at the age of 84. Known for her remarkable contributions to the performing arts and dedication to education, she is remembered fondly by family and friends. A graveside service will honor her life, and donations can be made to local animal shelters in her memory.
Westchester, New York—Claudine Harrell White, a celebrated singer and actress, passed away peacefully at the age of 84 on October 10, 2025. Surrounded by family, she left behind a rich legacy of artistic achievement and dedication to education in the performing arts.
A graveside service honoring her life will be held on Wednesday, October 22, 2025, at 1 PM at Hillcrest Memorial Park in Augusta, Georgia. Friends and family wishing to send messages can do so via email at [email protected] or by mail to 35 Wildwood Rd, Hartsdale, NY 10530. In lieu of flowers, those who wish to honor her memory may make donations to a no-kill animal shelter in their communities.
Life and Career
Born on April 21, 1941, in Augusta, Georgia, Claudine, known to many as Claudia, was the daughter of Joseph Wesley Harrell and Mae Louise Harrell. She was preceded in death by her former husband John White, sister Joan Harrell Moore, and brother-in-law Horace Eugene Moore, Jr.
Claudia’s journey in music started at a young age, performing her first solo at the age of five in her local church. After 13 years of studying classical voice in Augusta, she graduated from the Academy of Richmond County and furthered her studies at the University of Georgia, where she earned a degree in classical vocal music.
In 1965, she took a bold step towards her dreams by moving to Atlanta to pursue a career in musical theater, eventually relocating to New York City. Throughout her career, she performed in various theatrical musicals and collaborated with renowned organizations such as the Augusta Players, Theater Under the Stars, and the National Touring Company. Her contributions to the arts extended beyond performance; she also served as a director, producer, and teacher of voice and acting.
A Commitment to Education and Community
Claudia’s dedication to nurturing talent was recognized nationally as she was honored by the National Advancement of the Arts as one of the country’s top educators in voice and acting. Her commitment to community service was further exemplified in 2003 when the Westchester County Board of Legislators acknowledged her efforts in volunteerism and support for gifted students and those with learning disabilities.
In Westchester, she played an instrumental role at the Young Men and Young Women’s Hebrew Association (YM-YWHH) in Scarsdale, NY, where she served as the theater arts coordinator. She also directed and produced for Westchester Musical Theater and ran a summer performing arts camp at Center Park Dance Studio in New York. Claudia was an active member of the Kawanis Club of Hartsdale, NY, serving as Distinguished Club President in 1998-1999 and again in 2003-2004, eventually becoming the Bronx Westchester South Lieutenant Governor with Governor Mike Malark from 2010 to 2011.
Personal Life and Legacy
Claudine Harrell White is survived by her two children, Cherie White and John White, both of Hartsdale, NY, as well as nieces Georgia Ann Moore and Andrea Moore McMahan, great niece Amanda Jennings, uncle Ronald Harrell and wife Frances Harrell, and cousin Judith Ansley Daley.
Throughout her life, Claudia had a profound love for God, music, animals, gardening, and cherished moments with her family. Known for her culinary skills, she would often delight her family with home-cooked meals during holidays and was actively engaged in community service. Her vibrant spirit and contributions to the performing arts will be fondly remembered by all who were fortunate to know her.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Claudine Harrell White Obituary
- The New York Times: Claudine Gay and Trump
- The Atlantic: Claudine Gay and Plagiarism Standards
- New York Post: Claudine Gay Denies Plagiarism
- WCVB: Claudine Gay Op-Ed
- Wikipedia: Claudine Gay
- Google Search: Claudine Gay
- Google Scholar: Claudine Gay
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Claudine Gay
- Google News: Claudine Gay
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