Claretha Jenkins, played by Denise Burse, was a character on Tyler Perry’s “House of Payne” who disappeared from the show after Season 5. It was later revealed in Season 7 that she was battling leukemia.
In the early seasons of “House of Payne,” Claretha was known for her humorous personality and being the Payne family’s gossipy neighbor. Her character was a source of comic relief and was involved in various storylines that showcased her quirky nature. However, after Season 5, Claretha was no longer seen on the show, and her absence was not immediately addressed, leaving viewers curious about her fate.
It wasn’t until Season 7 that the show provided an explanation for Claretha’s disappearance. In a serious turn of events, it was disclosed that Claretha was fighting leukemia. This storyline was a departure from the character’s previously lighthearted role and addressed a more serious issue. The revelation about Claretha’s health struggles was a moment that brought depth to her character and allowed the show to explore themes of illness and support within a community.
The handling of Claretha’s storyline is an example of how “House of Payne” could blend comedy with drama, using its characters to touch on real-life issues while still providing entertainment to its audience. Denise Burse’s portrayal of Claretha earned her praise for bringing both humor and humanity to the character.
