Claudia Beatrice Braxton Curtis was born March 26, 1941 to Jessie and Merlen Braxton. She grew up in Cherokee County, Texas. She graduated from Clemons High School in 1959. She continued her education to receive degrees from Texas College, and in 1974 received her Masters Degree from Texas Eastern University.

On August 4, 1964 Claudia married W. C. Johnson. On July 30, 1971 she married Bobby Joe Curtis. Both husbands preceded her in death.

Claudia began her teaching career in Nacogdoches Texas, she later taught at Huston Tillotson College in Austin, Texas. After moving to Tyler, she taught at Stewart and Dogan Middle School until her retirement. She was named Teacher of the Year in 1989.

In April, 2023, Claudia received her 50 years of service honor as a lifetime member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.

Claudia was a sweet gentle person with a kind heart. She loved to travel, especially cruises and loved antique shopping and thrift stores.

She was also preceded in death by two sisters, Dorothy and Cora Sue Braxton; Special friend Abraham Devereaux.

She leaves as survivors include, one brother, James Braxton; three step stepdaughters, Wanda Dixon and Cynthia Johnson of Tyler; Renee' Farley of Lufkin, TX; Brother in law and sister in law Floyd and Ruth Ross.Aunt Vergie Tidwell. Grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of cousins and friends.