Claudia Dell Slesthenger's Obituary
Claudia Dell Slesthenger was born on June 17, 1920. She was one of 9 children born to Lovator and Claude Washington of Dallas Texas. Claudia was energetic, with an extremely competitive spirit. She proudly stated that anything her brothers could do she could do better. She was a fast learner, learning to sew and cook from her mother and grandmother. She learned basic barbering and hair beauty skills from her older sister and mother, who were both beauticians.
Claudia attended and graduated from Phillis Wheatley Elementary School in 1937 and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1939. She attended Business College for one year, where she discovered organizational skills along with typing. She worked part-time at the movie theater, where she was introduced to Henry Frank Slesthenger from Palestine, Texas. They were married on June 1, 1946 and 4 children were born to this union, Cheryl, Emile Steve, and Ann.
Claudia was a homemaker until all her children reached school age. She worked as a clerk at the Century Cotton Company for about two years. She later worked at Phillis Wheatley and Julia C. Frazier as the building secretary for 21 years. She was also an active member of the Secretaries’ Association.
Claudia was a devoted member of St. Paul A.M.E. Church for over 80 years. A descendant of Rev. E. J. Davis and Mother Charity Cole Davis, who were among the 8 founders of St. Paul A.M.E. Church on Metropolitan Avenue in Dallas. Claudia loved her church deeply and found great joy in singing for the Lord. Even at the age of 84 she continued to sing joyfully in the Church mass choir known as “Voices of St. Paul”. Under the leadership of Reverend Drinkard Timms, Jr., she organized a children’s choir for ages 8–12.
Claudia loved her family, her children, grandchildren, and friends. She delighted in baking cakes for her loved ones and in serenading them individually by singing “Happy Birthday” over the phone. She kept herself busy by staying connected with family events. Her faith was unwavering, and she left behind a legacy of love, joy, music, and devotion.
Claudia leaves to cherish her memory: Husband, Henry Frank Slesthenger; Sister, Doris W. Bluitt; Children: Henry Emile Slesthenger, Stephen Frank Slesthenger, and Ann Cydrisse Travis; Grandchildren: Camille Cross (Derrick), Janille Spenser (Derrick), Cherisse Travis ( ), and Brandi Hall (Tyron); Great- Grandchildren: Dillon and D. J. Spenser, Natalie Cross, Celine Hall, Hayden Hall, Kendall Hall, Evan Hall, and Asher Hall; Nieces: Judith Bluitt Redd (Charles), Ruchele Meshack Evans and Grady El; Nephews: Ronald Washington (Carolyn), Daryl Washington (Robin), and a host of friends and acquittances.
(These are her words) At her homegoing service, her choir celebrated her life with a Homegoing Jubilee. True to her nature, she wished for the service to be short, reflecting her love for life and readiness to go home to live with Jesus.
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