Lucy Charlotte Vandevender's Obituary
Charlotte Cody Vandevender (or “Chatsey,” as she was known to family and friends), 84, passed away at home early in the morning on Friday, May 25. She had been battling heart disease, yet her strong will to live, unwavering faith in God, and the love of her family and friends carried her through the later months of her life.Chatsey was born to Harold Wayne and Celene Fell Cody on September 27, 1933, at Sam Houston Army Hospital in San Antonio, Texas. The oldest of two girls, Chatsey and her sister Audy Cody Largent, grew up in Wellborn, Texas and later moved to Emory, Texas where her parents farmed and ran a dairy.Always at ease with others—and someone who could learn a total stranger’s history in five minutes or less—Chatsey was well-regarded by her peers in school. She graduated from Emory High School with the Class of 1951. She was elected Class Favorite and was Head Cheerleader and Majorette of the school’s Pep Squad.Later, Chatsey met and married Howard “Van” Vandevender in Dallas. They continued to live in the Metroplex and raised two daughters, Dana Vandevender Epperson and Shera Vandevender Darby. Having a true servant’s heart, Chatsey faithfully cared for family and friends, especially through her sewing and delicious cooking. After being a homemaker and executive secretary, Chatsey earned her associate degree in Design. She decorated many beautiful homes around North Texas, Ohio, California and Virginia.It was always apparent how important Chatsey’s faith was to her. Trusting in Jesus as her Savior at an early age, Chatsey’s faith was something she readily shared with those around her as she encouraged and motivated them. Her daughters said it was common to go downstairs for breakfast and find her finishing her Bible study and in prayer. She participated in and led various Bible studies over the years, and supported Van in his role as deacon. She and Van also assisted Texas Baptist Men in building several churches and a seminary. Believing that civic duty was a part of her calling as a Christian, Chatsey also served two terms on a Collin County grand jury. She also loved to cook, entertain, read, pray, chat with family and friends and play games—especially with her grandchildren.Chatsey was preceded in death by her husband, Van, and is survived by her sister, Audnette Cody Largent, her daughter, Dana Vandevender Epperson and husband, Scott, and her daughter, Shera Vandevender Darby and husband, Robert. Chatsey is also survived by six grandchildren, Lauren Epperson Dykes and husband, Bryan, Jacob Darby and wife Diana, Michael Darby and wife Jenn, Aaron Epperson and Abby Epperson. She also has four great-grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.Memorial services for Chatsey will be held at Hunters’ Glen Baptist Church in Plano, Texas on Wednesday, May 30, at 12 PM. Reverend Jody Mazzola will officiate. Honorary pallbearers are: Bryan Dykes, Jacob Darby, Michael Darby, Aaron Epperson and Daniel Darby. She will be interred at Restland Cemetery at 13005 Greenville Avenue in Dallas, Texas.In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Gideons and Texas Baptist Men.Funeral arrangements for Miss Lucy Charlotte Vandevender have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Ave., at the intersection of Restland Road, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972) 238-7111.
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