Claudia Dell Slesthenger's Obituary
Claudia Dell Slestheger was born on June 17, 1920. She was one of 9 children
born to Lovater and Claude Washington of Dallas, Texas. Claudia was
energetic, with a very competitive spirit. She proudly stated that anything
her brothers could do, she could do better. She was a fast learner, she
learned to sew, and cook from her mother, and grandmother. She even
learned basic barbering and hair beauty skills from her older sister and
mother, who were beauticians.
Claudia attended and graduated from Phyllis Wheatley Elementary School in
1937 and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1939. She
also 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 to this union 4
children were born: Cheryl, Emile, Steve and Ann.
Claudia was a homemaker until all of her children reached school age.
She worked as a clerk at the Century Cotton Company for two years. She
later worked at Phylilis Wheatley and Julia C. Frazer as the Building
Secretary for 21 years. She was also an active member of the Secretaries
Association in Dallas.
Claudia was a devoted member of the Sensational St. Paul A.M.E. Church for
over 80 years. A descendant E.J. Davis and Mother Charity Cole Davis, who
were among 8 founders of St. Paul A.M.E. Church in Metropolitan 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
Simms Sr., she organized a children’s choirs 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 behind husband, Henry Frank Slesthenger; Sister,Doris Bluitt;
Children: Henry Emile Slesthenger, Stephen Frank Slesthenger, and Ann
Cydrisse Travis; Grandchildren: Camille Cross (Derrick), Janille Spencer
(Derrick Sr.), Cherisse Travis, and Brandi Hall (Tyron); Great Grandchildren:
Dylan and Derrick Spencer Jr, Natalie Cross, Celine Hill, Hayden Hall,
Kendall Hall, Evan Hall, and Asher Hall; Nieces:Judith Bluitt Redd (Charles),
Ruchele Evans and Grady El; Nephews: Ronald Washington (Carolyn), Daryl
Washington (Robin), Sean Randle and a host of great nieces, great nephews,
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.
What’s your fondest memory of Claudia?
What’s a lesson you learned from Claudia?
Share a story where Claudia's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Claudia you’ll never forget.
How did Claudia make you smile?