Cora Claudette Gaither was born in Forsyth County, North Carolina on November 3, 1935 to the late David and Ida Caldwell. She was the widower of the late Densie M. Gaither of Winston-Salem. She was a student of and received her diploma from the Winston-Salem School District. She retired from R. J. Reynolds Tobacco Company but also worked for Western Electric Company and Hanes Hosiery of Winston-Salem.

One of her main goals in life was to lead her 8 children to the Lord and that goal she accomplished. Not only did she want her children to have a personal relationship with the Lord but her children's friends as well.  Not only was she a mother to her 8 biological children but fostered many more, namely Brawn Dubose, Lovelle Parks, Eleanor and Rev. Stephen Tyndall naming just a few. Ms. Gaither's doors were always open to whomever needed a hand. She was a long-time member of the Friendship Baptist Church and later a faithful member of the Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church both of Winston-Salem. Her roles at her churches were Vacation Bible School teacher, member of the Senior Sunday School class, member of the Wednesday Prayer Meeting, member of the Friday Night Bible Study group, member of the Senior Choir, Mass Choir, the Spiritual Ensemble Choir and teaching fellow saints the significance of Tithing, something she practiced faithfully.  After she relocated with her daughter and son-in-law in 2009 to Florida, she attended the Family Christian Center in Clermont, Florida.

She was preceded in death by her 2 sons, Donald C. Caldwell and Arturo "Tinky" Gaither, both of the city; and her 7 siblings, Eulas "Pop" Smarr, Brenda S. Johnson, David Caldwell, Jr., Geraldine C. Shepherd, Ruth M. Caldwell, and Grace M. Smith.

She leaves to cherish her beautiful memories to her 6 surviving children, 2 sons, Miguel "Scooter" (Alma) Gaither of Walkertown, NC, Vernon "HotShot" (Ruby) Gaither of  Winston-Salem, NC; 4 daughters, Odelia "DeeDee" (James) Neugin who she resided with in Minneola, Florida, Adriola (Walter) Reed of Winston-Salem, NC, Sheila D. Gaither of Winston-Salem, NC, and Arlene E. Gaither of Lake Wales, Florida. She was also favored by the Lord to have 12 grandchildren; 15 great grandchildren; and 4 great, great grandchildren who called her Grandma Claudette and that she loved dearly.  She also had an army of nieces and nephews from California, Michigan, New Jersey and North Carolina that loved calling her Aunt Claudette. Besides her immediate family she had many, many devoted friends and church family members that she loved, and they loved her back as well. She will truly be missed by all who came to know her.

A viewing will be held from 1:00pm until 6:00pm Friday, March 5, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private graveside services will be held Saturday, March 6, 2021 in Gardens of Memory, Walkertown, NC.