Claudette Rawlings was born April 8, 1938, to Fannie McClendon and Wilbur Turner, both of Phenix City, Alabama, where she was the baby of 4 sisters who preceded her in death; Beretha Brown, Catherine Dixon, Martine Howard, and her brother Charles Turner.
As a young girl she attended Mt. Mariah Baptist Church (Phenix City, Ala.) and continued her walk with the Lord as a member of Bayview Baptist Church (San Diego, CA) where the late Timothy J. Winters was her pastor and friend.
Claudette completed her secondary education at Mother Mary Mission (Phenix City, Ala.) After relocating to San Diego, CA, in 1958, she continued her education; receiving a Community College Counselor Credential in 1977. She also received a Masters of Psychology from San Diego State University in 1977.
After obtaining her Masters, she started her career in education with the San Diego Unified School District in 1978, where she later retired as a District Counselor in 2003. She also volunteered at the St. Stephen’s Adult Counseling Center under the leadership of the late Bishop McKinney.
Claudette was a member of the California Association of Black Social Workers and worked with community service organizations throughout San Diego. She absolutely loved being of service to everyone and obtained numerous awards and accolades.
On Wednesday, January 24, 2024, at 5:05pm, Claudette received her heavenly wings.
She leaves to cherish her memory her sister Francis Been (Oscar) of Atlanta, GA, her children; Cathy Turner of San Diego, CA, Mervin Turner (Martha) and Via Loretta Gary (Cameron) of Chula Vista, CA, and Preston Rawlings Jr. of Long Beach, CA, her grandchildren; Marcel Turner (Bernie) and Malik Gary of Chula Vista, CA, Preston Rawlings III of Las Vegas, NV, Terry Parker Jr. of Keokuk, IA, Marcus Turner (Lexie) of Los Angeles, CA, and Amanda Rawlings (Isabelle) of Yokosuka, Japan, her great granddaughter Indika Fina of Los Angeles, CA, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
