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The Reverend Claire Morfit Hunkins passed away peacefully at her home in Oak Hall, VA, surrounded by family, Monday, August 15, 2022. Although sad to leave her children and friends behind, she was happily reunited with her husband, Robert Gale Beckwith, Jr., who passed just a few weeks prior.
Born October 16, 1950 in New Brunswick, NJ and raised in Fredericksburg, VA, she was the only daughter of the late Edwin Fiske Morfit, Sr. and Margaret Edna Muller Morfit. Having been raised in a Christian home, Claire remained close to her Episcopalian faith throughout life. In 1973, she received her bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Kentucky and spent her career in science working for Owens Corning Science and Technology Center in Newark, OH. In November of 1988, Claire became the proud mother of five children, ages 7 to 16. She promised a forever home, opened her heart, and gave unconditional love and support to each of her precious children without hesitation or limitation.
Over the years, Claire’s spiritual path continued to strengthen, and she decided to pursue her Master of Divinity, graduating from Bexley Hall Seminary in Columbus, OH in 2006. In 2008, she relocated to the Eastern Shore of Virginia, where she became the longtime priest of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Jenkins Bridge, VA. She enjoyed spending time in her garden, hiking, traveling, reading, and playing bridge.
Claire never pretended to be anything except who she was, and those she met instantly felt her genuineness and compassion. She was real, humble, honest, selfless—a truly remarkable human being.
Claire’s life will forever be celebrated and remembered by her children, Christina Velasquez of Flint, MI, Petra Velasquez of Fort Wayne, IN, Jessica Velasquez of Canton, OH, Eric Velasquez (Alex) of El Paso, TX, and Larry Velasquez (Wanda) of Phoenix, AZ; her brothers, Paul Morfit, John Morfit (Tanya), David Morfit (Debbie), Jeff Morfit (Theresa), and Eddie Morfit; 19 grandchildren; 28 great-grandchildren; step children, Amelia Beckwith (Hunter) and Brian Beckwith (Alex); as well as countless friends, all of whom are grateful to have shared this life with her.
A service in celebration of Claire and Bob’s lives will be held at the Emmanuel Episcopal Church on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 2:00 p.m., with The Right Reverend Susan B. Haynes and The Reverend Linda Scholer officiating. The family will greet friends at the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home on Saturday, August 20, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Claire’s memory to Emmanuel Episcopal Church, P.O. Box 186, Oak Hall, VA 23416 or to Intrepid USA Hospice, 165 Market Street, Suite 2, Onancock, VA 23417.
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.com.
Arrangements by the Williams-Parksley Funeral Home.
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of The Reverend Claire Morfit Hunkins, please visit our floral store.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
P.O. Box 186, Oak Hall VA 23416
Intrepid Hospice
165 Market Street, Suite A, Onancock VA 23417