Claudette Arstena Orie, was a devoted and caring, wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.  She left this world Thursday, February 18, 2021 at age 71.

Claudette was born to Claude and Irene Pope on November 20, 1949.  She graduated from George W. Carver High School in 1967.  She continued her academic journey at Norfolk State University.

She married her high school sweetheart, Daniel T. Orie, Sr. on July 3, 1968.  Together, they had one son, Daniel T. Orie, Jr.

Claudette worked for Hampton City Schools for more than 30 years until she retired from Hampton High School in 2013 where she served as the school's finance officer.  For many years, Claudette was actively involved in the Hampton Roads music scene, helping to host the Hampton Jazz Festival, which featured many of the world's notable jazz musicians.

Claudette was a faithful member of New Life Church in Hampton, Virginia.  She was a member of the Church's audio/visual Ministry.  She loved flowers, working in her flower garden, traveling, and spending time with her family, especially her granddaughters, Nia and Mya, as well as, many of her nieces, nephews, and friends.  She was affectionately known as "THE CHIEF," a title cast upon her by one of her brothers. Which endearingly means, the boss or "head person in charge."

Claudette was a proud member of the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribe of Southampton County, Virginia.  Her Tribal Name was "Rain Flower."  She was proud of her Indian heritage and often volunteered for many tribal events.

Excellence was Claudette's expectation and as a result, her legacy will live through the many lives she touched.

Claudette leaves to cherish her memory, her devoted husband of 52 years, Daniel T. Orie, Sr.; her son, Daniel T. Orie, Jr. (Pamela); grandchildren, Nia and Mya; sister, Andria P. McKinley (Michael) of Arlington, Virginia; brothers, Richmond W. Pope (Valada) of Jonesboro, Georgia and Kevin A. Pope (Radhia) of Woodbridge, Virginia.; aunts, Mildred Gray and Bessie Peoples; uncles, Clarence Pope, William Washington and Walter Washington; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Irene Washington Pope, her father, Claude C. Pope, and her grandparents.

Viewing will be from 3 pm - 6 pm on Friday, February 26, 2021 at O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home.

The celebration of life for Claudette Arstena Orie will be on Saturday, February 27, 2021, 11:00 am at New Life Church; 1525 Power Plant Parkway, Hampton, Virginia.

Please adhere to the Novel Coronavirus guidelines and additional instructions provided by O.H. Smith & Son Funeral Home and New Life Church.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested those that wish to express sympathy consider making a donation in the memory of Claudette Arstena Orie to the Hampton Roads American Heart Association and/or the Cheroenhaka (Nottoway) Indian Tribal Heritage Foundation, Inc. of Southampton County, Virginia.

O. H. Smith & Son Funeral Home is honored to serve the family.