Claudia Payne Robins Ryland, 72, native of Hartfield and 50-year resident of Williamsburg/James City County, died peacefully in her home very early morning Monday, April 3, 2023.
She was the daughter of the late Freddie Badger Robins and Doris Payne Robins and the granddaughter of the late Charles Howlett Payne and Edna Redd Payne, and the late Thomas Melvin Robins and Iva Jane Carneal Robins.
A woman of immense quiet strength, joy, and kindness, who faithfully worshiped our Triune God, the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit, Claudia established a foundation of love, from which her family could thrive. Devoid of prideful ambition but blessed with a heart for service, she quietly served as president of the Virginia Society for Human Life; served the Task Force for Battered Women (now Avalon); volunteered for overnight shifts that provided warm winter rest for the homeless; volunteered at Eastern State Hospital in the geriatric ward, offering love to patients often in pitiful condition; hosted vacation Bible school in her James River home in First Colony as part of Williamsburg Community Chapel’s neighborhood outreach program; served in the Williamsburg Christian Women’s Club; served as chairman of the James City County Electoral Board (this woman who had zero political ambition); created, owned and operated “I Must Say — Antiques, Gifts, Cards, and Words” in Toano and later on Prince George Street in Williamsburg; and never missed an accessible performance of her children and grandchildren from elementary through college.
For years she loved worshiping at Williamsburg Community Chapel, and loved being further nurtured by Eastside Church, its vibrant, now independent offspring. But Christ, and home, and family always came first for Claudia. Her love for horses and her precious house pets was also immeasurable. They were also a vital part of her spiritual journey that emanated from the heart of God.
She is survived by her husband of 56 years, John William Ryland III (“Nugget” to beloved grandchildren and childhood friends); two children, Elizabeth Ashley Ryland Willis and her husband John Cleeland Willis of Williamsburg, and John Page Ryland of Richmond; six grandchildren, Ryland Henry Willis and his wife Erin of Fredericksburg, John Benjamin Willis and his wife Melissa of Roanoke, Reed Robins Willis of Williamsburg, Evelyn Page Ryland of Los Angeles, and William Cole Ryland and Audrey Frances Ryland of Richmond. Claudia is also survived by her dear sister, Doris Lee Robins Dunham of Midlothian, and nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Services are planned for 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 22 in Williamsburg’s Eastside Church and 3 p.m. Saturday, April 22 in Lower United Methodist Church, Hartfield, followed by graveside service and farewell in the church cemetery.
Memorial gifts may be made to any of the following: Eastside Church or Lower United Methodist Church; a crisis pregnancy center of choice; Riverside Hospice-Walter Reed; Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad; Williamsburg EMS; H.E.A.R.T. (leading advocacy organization for rape victims); American College of Rheumatology Arthritis Foundation; or animal rescue of choice for horses, as well as pets.
God bless.
