In loving Memory

Claudette Colvin

1939-2026

It is with profound sadness that the Claudette Colvin Foundation and family announce the passing of Claudette Colvin, a beloved mother, grandmother, and civil rights pioneer. She leaves behind a legacy of courage that helped change the course of American history.

 At age 15, Ms. Colvin was arrested on March 2, 1955, in Montgomery, Alabama, for violating bus segregation ordinances, nine months before Rosa Parks. Ms. Colvin was made a ward of the State and placed on indefinite probation.

 Ms. Colvin is one of the two survivors of the Browder v. Gayle United States Supreme Court Case. She is known for her significant role in desegregating buses in Montgomery, Alabama, in 1956. She is one of the four black female plaintiffs, along with Aurelia Browder, Susie McDonald, and Mary Louise Smith, who filed a lawsuit challenging segregated bus seating in Montgomery, Alabama. Their attorney was Fred D. Gray. The case was successful, thus impacting public transportation throughout the United States, including trains, airplanes, and taxis.

 To us, she was more than a historical figure. She was the heart of our family, wise, resilient, and grounded in faith. We will remember her laughter, her sharp wit, and her unwavering belief in justice and human dignity.

 We are grateful for the love and respect shown to her throughout her life. Details for memorial arrangements:

Viewing

Date: Friday, January 23, 2026
Time: 1:00pm-7:00pm

Location:

Bushelon Funeral Home

800 14th St. SW

Birmingham 35211

Funeral Service

Date: Saturday, January 24, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.

Location:
Greater Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church
2135 Jefferson Ave. SW
Birmingham, AL 35211

Presiding: Rev. Dr. Michael Wesley
Eulogy: Rev. Arthur Lane (Corpus Christi, Texas)