Norfolk City Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Skinner, Gaynell Clanton July 1, 2001 ************************************************ Copyright. All rights reserved. http://www.usgwarchives.net/copyright.htm http://www.usgwarchives.net/va/vafiles.htm ************************************************ File contributed for use in USGenWeb Archives by: Diane Renfrow dianel14@gmail.com December 11, 2013, 4:27 pm Virginian-Pilot, The (Norfolk, VA) - Wednesday, July 4, 2001 Gaynell Clanton Skinner, 93, of the 1000 block of Lockwood Court, formerly of 1013 E. Indian River Road, Norfolk, died July 1, 2001, in her home. Born Dec. 9, 1907, in Norfolk, she was the daughter of Lucinda and Samuel Clanton who preceded her in death and the widow of Solomon Kermit Skinner. She received her early education in Norfolk Public Schools and graduated from high school at Hampton Institute Academy. Upon being graduated from high school, Mrs. Skinner matriculated at Hampton Institute from which she earned a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in English. In 1946 she earned a Master of Arts degree in Child Development from Columbia University and in 1957 she received a Masters of Arts degree in Guidance from New York University. Further studies were pursued at George Washington University and Purdue University. Her professional experiences were enriching and varied. She was a social worker with migrant workers in Hurlock, Md., a clerk with the United States Employment Commission, principal of Gilmerton Junior High School and a teacher of English at Booker T. Washington Intermediate School in the city of Norfolk. At the time of her retirement in 1972, Mrs. Skinner was employed by Norfolk Public Schools as a guidance counselor at Booker T. Washington High School. Mrs. Skinner was actively involved in several community service organizations. She was a Golden Life Member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. and a former vice president of the Norfolk Alumnae Chapter. She was a member of the Norfolk Chapter, The Links Inc., a member of the Urban League of Hampton Roads, a charter member of the Norfolk Player's Guild, and a life member of the NAACP. She regularly volunteered to collect funds for the American Cancer Society and the American Heart Association. Over 60 years ago, she co-founded the Bugs Club of Norfolk, a bridge club. Because of her outstanding contributions to society, her autobiography was published in the 1970 edition of ``Personalities of the South.'' A member of Mount Zion Baptist Church in the Berkley Community of Norfolk for more than a half century, Mrs. Skinner served in various ministries and taught Sunday School for over 60 years. She is survived by a daughter, June Skinner Banks, a son-in-law, John L. Banks and one granddaughter, Junelle L. Banks, all of Virginia Beach; many cousins; a loyal care partner, Christine Pledger and a myriad of friends. She was predeceased by several sisters and brothers, among them Sallie Austin Anthony. Viewing of the body will begin at 2 p.m. Thursday at Riddick Funeral Home, followed by a service of remembrance and reflection at the funeral home at 6:30 p.m. which will include the Norfolk Chapter, The Links Inc. Memorial Service and the Norfolk Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. Omega Omega. A service of triumph will be held Friday at noon at Mount Zion Baptist Church, 900 Middlesex St., Norfolk, with Dr. Charles Hart as the officiating minister and eulogist. Interment will follow in Calvary Cemetery , Norfolk. The family will assemble at the home at 11 a.m. for the procession to the church. The body will lie in repose at the church from 10 a.m. Friday until the time of service. Memorial donations may be made to the Renovation Campaign of Mount Zion Baptist Church. Additional Comments: Calvary Cemetery SKINNER, GAYNELL I7363 Section OLD CALVARY, Block 59, Lot C, Space 12 93 07/06/2001 File at: http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/norfolkcity/obits/s/skinner4074gob.txt This file has been created by a form at http://www.genrecords.org/vafiles/ File size: 4.0 Kb