Mrs. Claudine Violet Kershaw

December 30, 1948 - March 26, 2022

A RISING STAR Life is a Stage PLAYBILL A tribute to a Dramatic Movie Buff CLAUDINE VIOLET JACKSON - KERSHAW was the second of four children born to the late Edward R.S. and Gloria A. Jackson. However, from day one, Claudine was determined ALWAYS to be #1, to Stand Out, Be Noticed and Command Attention on this stage called LIFE. So, her sudden debut on December 30, 1948 was truly befitting. However, this took her family by surprise, as she was not only born in their Fulton Street apartment in Bedford Stuyvesant, Brooklyn New York but a whole two months early and weighing a mere 2-1/2 pounds. This was also her first dramatic performance, as this precious preemie nearly lost her delicate life. But as we’d soon learn, she was spunky. Yes, on this day, a S.T.A.R. truly was born. A Sassy, Talented, Adventurous, Rebel that was ALL this and so much more‼️ Claudine was a shining star. The epitome of liveliness...outgoing, energetic, boisterous and enthusiastic. She was full of Life and Excitement and wanted to share that with the world. Being the only Red-bone in her family, constantly changing her hair color and having a gap which made her smile so eccentric and unique she couldn’t help but stand out. With a Hollywood smile and a flashy appearance she needed to hone her gifts so that her talents would stand out. Thus, she took on a variety of diverse roles. Claudine's first role was that of the plucky sidekick, affectionately called Little Violet or Lil Vi for short. She earned this title while growing up and spending time with her grandma Violet Greaves Jackson and grandpa Edward Jackson. Or “Grapa” and “Big Vi” as she affectionately called them. Her secondary role was coming to an end but her first big break was yet to come. During the 60s is where Claudine received her first starring role as the leading lady in “Young Love First Love,“ guest starring Leroy “Roy” Lowe. The season one finale was a hit. Claudine's performance was so good it was nominated for a Tony but what she received was a Tonya. She described her baby girl as a beautiful “fish-lip Betty Boop Apple-head. Claudine would continue to reprise her role in Young Love, First Love, this time, season two had new guest star Ronald Kershaw. As season two of Young Love First Love came to a close and Claudine’s and Ronald’s romance blossomed, Claudine decided it was time for a rebrand. In May of 1966 Claudine rebranded and became Claudine Kershaw. With a new name and new life came a new show aptly named the Kershaws. With Ronald now becoming a permanent character on the show, the season finale of the Kershaws was certainly a must watch! The finale ended with the birth of her first son Darryl. Whom she affectionately called “Chinky Winky Stinky Binky” or “Chink” for short. During the Kershaws hiatus and In typical Hollywood style, Roy returned for a guest appearance. Like the actors Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, their romance was rekindled. This special appearance resulted in the birth of her second daughter, Glenda. Claudine named her after a beautiful character from one of her favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz. Alas, as quickly as it began, this series was canceled. Soon after, Mr. Kershaw reprised his role. This saga lasted a few seasons and then ended. BUT, not before their encore performance debuted their youngest child, Bryant aka ”Mushrae.” And in typical Claudine style, he was named after the lead character in her favorite tear-jerker movie Bryant’s Song. His middle name Gerard, is a homage to her love of Superman and her celebrity crush who played him, Gerard Christopher. After a multitude of recurring roles, Claudine was due for a Big Break...Movie Stardom‼️ In the summer of 1973, she and her four young children (ages 1-8 years old) met Ronald “Ronnie“ Davis. After a brief courtship, the couple fell in Love. Ronnie strongly resembled “Sydney Poitier” in looks and swagger. While Claudine was a spot-on Linda Blair look alike. This relationship was truly the stuff that movies are made of…And so it was. In 1974, a popular movie almost mirroring their relationship was released. Aptly named CLAUDINE‼️ This was a 40+ year epic performance by all involved, worthy of a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. While their relationship ultimately ended, their love and friendship for each other never did. As like most performers, Claudine needed to “pay the bills.” Befitting her personality, she held diverse positions in the service field. She spent many years in the nursing field for NYC Health & Hospitals before following her older sister’s lead and joining the US Postal Service. But, she finally found her niche when she became a security officer. Her innate ability to command attention allowed her to quickly rise in rank. We affectionately call her Captain Kirt-Sure. Due to medical issues she eventually hung up her shield. With movie stardom under her belt, Claudine returned back to her roots and landed a new role, this time she opted for the role of GRANDMA SWEETIE, a role in which she would go on to reprise for many years. Similarly to the grandmother in Hoodwinked or Madea, she was full of life and fiercely loved her grandkids and great grands. Sharing about them to anybody and everybody who would listen. Many of the grandkids got their own time in the limelight and had modeling debuts thanks to the many photo shoots she would have with them. Additionally, she always made sure they ate a big breakfast, “two large eggs, waffles and sausages” and had toys to play with, always packed and stationed in the corner for easy access. Not to mention, always armed and ready with her disposable camera and cane (optional) for events, celebrating and to just chill with her grand and great-grandkids. Claudine took her show on the road. She left the stage she’s known all her life, Brooklyn, NY and relocated to Richmond Virginia. Ultimately she landed in Chesterfield County, where she resided in the Tuscany Townhouse community. They were captivated. Her loving and generous spirit, bright smile, infectious laugh, bold humor, animated personality and colorful vocabulary made her a standout in the community. Everyone was quickly drawn to her electrifying glow and aura, it was impossible not to be. Claudine or Mrs. Brooklyn as they affectionately called her, quickly became known as the “Mayoress of Tuscany Townhomes.” There she fostered a new love and friendships. She remained there until briefly returning to New York for her final curtain call. As the curtain falls on Claudine’s performance in THIS venue, it rises on the ULTIMATE Stage...GLORY‼️ Claudine LIVED to be Loved and LOVED to Live. She brought a high-spirited Uniqueness to EVERYTHING she did, Especially her DANCING. THIS Star will FOREVER Shine in our Hearts & Memory‼️ Her Legacy? Frank Sinatra sang it but she Lived it: ��“I Did it MY Way”�� LIVED*LOVED*LAUGHED*DANCED Claudine’s Opening Act to Glory were; her parents Edward and Gloria Jackson, Neal A. McClain; her eldest sister Carolyn “Carol” Clark; aunts Naomi Jackson and Jeanette “Jean” Harper (Leon “Unc”); her Forever Friend Ronald Davis; nephew Lindell Jackson; niece CaShawn Frost-Thorton; and grand-nephew Kross Rock. The show must go on so to cherish her memory she leaves daughters Tonya Dawson (Maurice); Glenda Kershaw; sons Darryl & Bryant Kershaw (LaVanda); brother Edward “Freddie” Jackson; sister Patricia “Pat” Jackson; Beloved Grandkids: Maurice “Marley” (Shimera) & Durrell “Relly” Dawson (Serena); Jarrell “Yay-Yay” (Hannah) & Iri Kershaw; Isaiah “Man-Man” Dawson; Mia, Keanu “Nu-Nu”, Ciera & T’airah Kershaw; Deja & Jada “Sugar” Dawson; and Kaylyn Kershaw. Great-grandkids: Jalen, Zion Jones-Dawson, Tyler Dawson; Kimorie, Janya, Kiayah, & Kaden Kershaw; Sanaa, Madison, Mekhi, Milaan “Breeze” & Miiko “True” Dawson; Iriana, Imari, Imani and Milani Kershaw; 3 Aunts, 2 Uncles and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. “Be different so that people can see you clearly amongst the crowds.” Mehmet Murat ildan “Sing like no one is listening, love like you never been hurt, dance like no one is watching and live like it is heaven on earth. AND Laugh like You STUPIIIID!” Mark Twain & CLAUDINE