Harmon Roosevelt Claiborne
Harmon Roosevelt Claiborne was born to the late Willie and Mary Claiborne on May 1, 1935 in Lawrenceville, Virginia. He was the fourth of seven children born to this union. It was in Lawrenceville where he was raised and educated, completing his education at the James Solomon Russell High School. The family attended the Union Bethel Reformed Zion Union Apostolic Churches of America (RZUA) Church in Freeman, Virginia under the leadership of Reverend D.N. Hicks.
From his early childhood, he had a deep passion for the singing of gospel music. At a young age, he and his brothers George and Otis along with their uncle Willie Brown formed a group called the Royal Light Gospel Singers.
Upon relocating to Boston, Massachusetts in 1968, he and his family joined the Morning Star Baptist Church under the Pastorate of Reverend Elisha Gilbert. After having been a member of Morning Star for only two years, he was ordained as a deacon in 1970. In addition the Diaconate and Music Ministries, he worked in many areas of the church.
In 1981 Pastor Claiborne joined the Antioch Missionary Baptist Church as a charter member under the leadership of its first pastor, the late Reverend Walter A. Stevenson. At Antioch, he served as a deacon, church clerk, Sunday school teacher and president of the choir. In July of 1988, Deacon Claiborne married Thelma White Graham and they have continued their spiritual journey.
In 1989, he was licensed by Antioch and ordained in 1990 by his Pastor, Reverend Walter A. Stevenson. In 1991, Reverend Stevenson suggested that Reverend Claiborne spread himself and plant his own seed as pastor.
Acting on the suggestion of Reverend Stevenson, he and two other preachers decided to let God lead them through singing together. In addition to singing, they preached together; they were blessed to start Preachers – N – Concert at 302 Columbia Road in Dorchester. The Preachers – N – Concert consisted of: Reverend Frank Murray, the late Reverend Lee Mitchell, Reverend James Gaylord and the late Bishop Eddie Hollins, they became known as Preachers – N – Concert. Not only did they great singing but, they also had three men of God to spread God’s “WORD”. Jeremiah 3:15 states, I will give you pastors according to mine heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding.
Preachers – N- Concert leaders were Reverend Harmon R. Claiborne, Reverend Lee Mitchell and the late Bishop Eddie Hollins. Reverend Claiborne has always had a passion for singing. He sang with Spirit of Joy, Spiritual Vibrations and also he released two of his own CD’s of Easy Listening Gospel. On one of the releases was his own choir that he directed at Antioch. The name of the group was N-Retro which included his brother the late George Claiborne and Gene Claiborne, his son, with musicians: the last the late Kevin Davis, Elbert Vines and Paul Gifllian.
Upon the death of Rev. Stevenson in 1995, Reverend Claiborne was led by the spirit of God, and the members for him to return home and be the leader of Antioch. In October 26, 1995, he was led to feed his flock at 1082 Blue Hill Avenue has been. His flock and strive to conquer his vision. Because of the fellowship, the love, the obedience, and the willingness to serve God, Pastor Claiborne kept Antioch Missionary Baptist Church strong, and with great determination to work for Unity in God’s will.
Colossians 3:22 Servants, obey in all things your master according to the flesh; not with eye services, as men pleases; but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
Reverend Claiborne leaves to cherish his memories his devoted wife of 32 years, Thelma Claiborne; his sisters: Mary Mckinnon and Fannie Louise Trusty; 8 surviving children; a host of grand, great grand, great- great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and family and friends. He also leaves behind a special son-in-law, Clarence Carleton, his buddy and his God-daughter, Andrea Raye.
Guestbook Entries
Love and prayers to everyone.
May all Bless go to the Family. Stay Strong Love You All.
Reverend Claiborne God Bless your soul, may you rest in Heavenly peace. My prayers and condolences to the family.
We will missed you 🙂
Please accept our condolences for the loss of this great man of God. Earth’s loss is Heavens gain. Praying your strength.
Uncle Harmon, you will be greatly missed by us, but we know you are singing with the heavenly choir above with my father, George. Thelma, my sincere condolences and may God continue to bless you in your time of sorrow.
I just want to say that uncle Harmon Claiborne was one of the best uncles there any man could have and want to leave my condolences for the family God bless he will always be in my heart
I will always care my grandfather in my heart forever. I love to hear him sing the old songs. Love you granddad
Claiborne and Graham family and friends, please accept my sincerest heartfelt condolences. I have many fond memories of a great man of GOD who was always a gentleman and spoke with a gifted voice. I witnessed his love for his wife Thelma and all of his family. I haven’t seen them for many years but my love, prayers and well wishes for them all stayed in my heart. His devoted service led him to touch many lives and leave a legacy. He will be missed by many and never forgotten.
Rest in heaven Uncle harmon
To the family;
Please accept my condolences may God continue to strengthen you during this time. My prayers go out to you.
Love,
Barbara Johnson
To Gloria and the Claiborne family. Our thiughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Please accept our sincere condolences.
Sincerely The Gerald family
To my Uncle Harmon God knows I am going to miss you. But I know in my heart you are in a better place with love ones 🙏🏽🙏🏽😇😇
Rest peacefully in heaven and give a big hug to my grandmother. You will be missed. 😇
REVEREND CLAIBORNE WAS PART OF OUR EXTENDED IMMEDIATE FAMILY. HE SANG AT MY OLDER SISTER’S FUNERAL AND THE ATTENDEE’S AT HER FUNERAL DIDN’T WANT HIM TO STOP SINGING AND HE DIDN’T. HIS VOICE WAS MAGICAL. HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS UNCLE HARMON BY THE CHILDREN OF OUR FAMILIES. REST IN PEACE REVEREND CLAIBORNE.
You were my pastor, surrogate-father and friend! I thank you for the love, christian leadership and limitless ways you’ve shown love toward your GODdaughter and I over the years. I appreciate you for always having that listening ear and taking our many conversations with you to glory. May the music of Heaven play softly as you sing your many loved songs in the heavenly chior.
HARMON IS TRULY GOING TO BE MISSED. HE COULD ALWAYS PUT A SMILE ON ANYONE’S FACE.
HE WILL ALWAYS BE A PART OF OUR FAMILY.
I KNOW HE IS IN HEAVEN LOOKING DOWN ON ALL OF US.
At this difficult time, may you find the strength in your faith and God to celebrate Pastors’ life.
Pastor Claiborne,
You had such an amazing singing voice that can never be replicated! You were truly blessed with such an amazing gift of both singing and preaching!
Your suffering is no more and your peace will be never ending!
Your presence will be truly missed!
There are no words to express the void your passing has left in my heart. I will miss your presence and wonderful singing voice. I take some comfort in my last conversation and visit with you which makes me smile between the tears. I ask God to please comfort the entire family now and in the days ahead.
Pastor Claiborne,
God only picks the best for his heavenly choir.
Your soft voice and open smile will truly be missed.
I wish to express my deepest sympathy to family. I’m praying for healing ,comfort,strength and peace during this painful time. One of my favorite sermon preached by pastor was on 4/30/2006.Text Psalm 37:4,5. Subject:”Don’t Worry,Be Happy”. My eulogy for my pastor and friend Text Ecclesiastes 2:26 NIV Subject”Happiness is a Choice” “To the person who pleases Him,GOD gives wisdom,knowledge,and happiness.” True happiness is found in JESUS CHRIST. HIS happiness lies in those who are dependent on HIM, and those who are peacemakers. Pastor Claiborne was truly happy peacemaker. Gone from our sight, but NEVER from our hearts Velma and family
I’m The HatMan in reside in Washington DC.
I’ve had the pleasure to know Rev. Claiborne for over 32 years.
A few years back I lost my Nephew who resided in In the Boston area.
The family needed a Minister to Eulogize my Nephew and comfort his family who Harmon knew thank God I only had to make one phone call.
For me I’ll miss his laughter his spiritual support and very authoritative voice.
Rest well my Brother🙏🏾❤️💕
H2Ogate!
To The Claiborne Family: May God bless you during this difficult time, you have our deepest condolences. Pastor Claiborne you will be missed.
Sending love and condolences to the family! Pastor Claiborne I will miss you love you rest in heavenly peace. I know your with jw singing and giving praise with my dad!!
To Claiborne family. My family sending Love and condolences to first lady Claiborne and family he will truly be miss. God bless .
May God make this time easy for The Claiborne Family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Sincerely, The Woods/Brown Coley Family..❤
My sincere Condolences goes out to My Mother Gloria Claiborne who adopted me when I was about twelve and thirteen years old, and my Auntie Laverne, Uncle Eugene and Auntie Pam and my late aunt and uncle Marylyn and Dennis who proceeded Papa Claiborne in death. And to his first Wife Constance Claiborne. May God give you all peace that passes all understanding and know that God reigns on the just and unjust. LET THE CHURCH SAY AMEN, GOD HAS SPOKEN
I will always remember the entire Claiborne family especially Uncle Harmon. Uncle Harmon was such a big part of my life as a young child and as an adult. I thank God for him as he was always there to open the door for me each day I came to visit his sister Shirley. Uncle Harmon always had a kind, loving and encouraging word for me. May God bless the entire Claiborne family during their time of mourning. Debbie Spotts
To Sis. Claibrne and Family
Our thoughts and prayers will be always with you, May God comfort you all,
“Silver Leaf’s forever”
Jeff Thornton.