Queen Elizabeth Claiborne, affectionately known as "Happy" was born on August 19, 1945, in Surry County to the late Robert L. Gay and Mary Bell Claiborne-Butler.  She was called to rest on Monday, May 18, 2020, at George Washington University Hospital in Washington, DC.

Queen received her education in Sussex County where she was reared by the Late Deacon John and Deaconess Cora Graves and their daughter Ruby Mae Graves who preceded her in death.  Queen was baptized at an early age and joined First Baptist Church of Wakefield, VA., where she became a member under the leadership of the Late Rev. Judge Brown of Hopewell, VA.

In her early 20's Queen moved to Washington, DC where she became gainfully employed with Safeway Stores and Local Union 400 for over 40 years.  She started working in the warehouse house and was later promoted to Deli Manager.  Queen was loved by the many co-workers as well as the many customers that frequently shopped in the store and would request Queen by name.  After relocating to Washington, DC Queen attended Central Baptist Church faithfully in Camp Springs, MD under the leadership of Rev. Lincoln M. Burruss Jr.

She was preceded in death by her loving son-in-law Kenneth O'Neil Gilliam and James Smith.

Queen was loved by everyone, she regularly traveled to Virginia to visit with her many family and friends, including her loving daughters, grandsons, and son-in-law Markem.  Also, the Claiborne Family Reunion was one of the many Summer Highlights she enjoyed attending.

Queen leaves behind her lasting and loving memories to her step-father, Arthur Butler Jr.; her two loving daughters, Amanda Gilliam of Waverly, VA., and Regina Claiborne-Folks (Markem) of Hampton, VA.; two grandsons, Elijah Booker Jr. of Hampton, VA and DaQuan Gilliam of Waverly, VA; three sisters, Belinda Tillman (Vincente) of Bowie, MD, Avis Gay-Davis and Thomasine Eley of Wakefield, VA; six brothers, Arthur Butler III (Donna) of Mitchellville, MD, Willie Roberts (Clara) of Petersburg, VA, Bishop Darren L. Gay Sr. (Danielle) of Waverly, VA., Pastor Robert E. Gay (Tamara) of Zuni, VA., and Rodney Gay (Cinquetta) of Prince George, VA., Dwight Gay (Angela) of Waverly, VA; special uncle and aunt, Willie and Thelma Claiborne of Casa Grande, AZ; six godchildren, Demecca Lewis, Janean Hawkins, Jasmine Denson, Taylor Denson, Cherie Lewis-Wiggins and Theophilus Barnett and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.  Close friends were Katherine Lewis, Diane Barnes, Gladys Hardy, Mary Bailey, Elizabeth Crocker, Shirley Burwell, Alvin Cook, and Cousin Robert Claiborne, and a devoted friend John Boykins.

Special words of thanks extended to her loving niece Keisha Butler-Ugunwwyi; special friend Katherine Lewis, Demecca Lewis, Tisha Smith, and the Nurses and Doctors at George Washington University Hospital, Washington, DC.

A Graveside Celebration will be at 12' Noon Saturday, May 30, 2020, at Booker T. Memorial Park, Terrapin Road Wakefield, VA.