Kenneth Poe Funeral Services

October 19, 2024

Claudia Iverson Sturges, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 19, 2024, in Charlotte, North Carolina. Born on December 5, 1946, in Berwyn, Illinois, to Kenneth and Martha Iverson, Claudia lived a rich and vibrant life marked by creativity, passion, and deep love for those around her.

As the daughter of a father whose career led the family to various cities, Claudia experienced a diverse upbringing, living in Chicago, IL; Muskegon, MI; Wyckoff, NJ; Florence, SC; Phoenix, AZ; and eventually settling in Charlotte, NC. She attended Ashley Hall School in Charleston, SC, before moving to Phoenix, where she graduated from Phoenix Country Day School. She went on to earn her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University and a master’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

On June 12, 1971, Claudia married the love of her life, Wesley Sturges, and together they built a beautiful life over more than five decades of marriage. Together, they raised two children, Kristin and Garrik, and she was deeply proud to be known as "CeCi" to her three beloved grandchildren. Claudia's love and affection extended not only to her family but also to her many pets, who were always cherished members of her household.

A woman of boundless interests and talents, Claudia was deeply passionate about pottery, gardening, and music. She brought beauty into the world not only through her artistic creations but also through her voice, singing with the Charlotte Oratorio Singers and the Charlotte Chorale Society. Claudia's love of nature was evident in her achievement of the title Master Gardener, and her stunning pottery pieces graced the homes she loved in Charlotte and Blowing Rock, NC.

Claudia’s dedication to her community was reflected in her many years of service with organizations including the Junior League of Charlotte, Charlotte Country Day School Parents’ Association, the Nature Museum, and Wing Haven. She was known for her unwavering commitment to causes that uplifted both people and the environment. In addition to her community involvement, Claudia was a devoted kindergarten teacher and the owner of a boutique clothing store, through which she touched countless lives with her kindness, creativity, and vibrant spirit.

Those fortunate enough to know Claudia will forever remember her feisty energy, her keen sense of humor, and the deep, abiding love she shared with her family, friends, and everyone whose life she touched.

Claudia is survived by her husband of 53 years, Wesley Sturges; her children, Kristin Sturges Hair and her husband, Sean Hair, and Garrik Sturges and his wife, Dare Felchlin Sturges; and her beloved grandchildren, Wesley, Everett, and Ivey Hair. She is also survived by her brother, Marc Iverson. She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth and Martha Iverson.

A celebration of Claudia's remarkable life will be held at Myers Park Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, November 19, 2024. A reception will follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to Wing Haven, 248 Ridgewood Drive, Charlotte, 28209 or the Catawba Lands Conservancy, 2400 Park Road, Suite 1, Charlotte, NC 28203, in her honor.

Arrangements are in the care of Kenneth W. Poe Funeral & Cremation Service, 1321 Berkeley Avenue, Charlotte, NC 28204 (704) 641-7606. Online condolences can be shared at www.kennethpoeservices.com.