Claudette was born November 30, 1942, in Farmersville, Texas, to James Emmitt and Blanche Russell. She spent her early childhood in Van Alstyne, Texas, before moving with her family to Dallas around the age of 10. She completed her school years in Dallas, attending Crozier Tech High School where she was a member of the marching band. She received her G.E.D. in 1958 and married Lynn Clay Gullick, Jr., that same year. They moved to Garland, Texas, where they raised two children, Gary and Belinda. Claudette later went to nursing school and received her certification as a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1968.
In 1972, Claudette married Kenneth Hartzel. Over the years, Claudette worked as a nurse in general practice, orthopedics, and dermatology. She and Ken lived in Garland before moving to Blum, Texas, in 1984. During their marriage, they were also foster parents to more than 30 children. They adopted a son, Christopher, and a daughter, Rebekah.
On December 9, 1989, Claudette married WC Isbell, where they settled in their home in Plano, Texas. She gained two stepsons, David and Jeremy. Claudette continued nursing through the years, and also worked for a time at Dillard’s, one of her favorite stores. Before retiring in 2011, she was a home healthcare nurse. She loved her patients and they loved her.
Claudette took delight in visiting with friends and playing bingo at the Plano Senior Center. She had a love of antiques and gathered quite a collection of Christmas decorations and angels. Her Yorkies were her pride and joy. She also enjoyed spending time at Encore Memory Care Day Center, especially listening to the music of “Elvis” and The Singing Cowboy and talking with her good friend, Laura. Family was always top of mind. Claudette spent her final months at Paradise Care Home, where she was cared for lovingly until her passing.
Claudette is survived by WC, her husband of 29 years; two daughters – Belinda Westing and husband Paul, and Rebekah Mead and husband Steven; four sons – Gary Gullick, Christopher Hartzel, David Isbell, and Jeremy Isbell and wife Alina; grandchildren – Jessica and husband Shawn, Zachary, Hannah, Schuylar, Shawn, Brandon, Mackenzie, Megan, and Andrew; great-granddaughter Sophia; sister-in law Dana Moon; many nieces, nephews and beloved family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; nine siblings – Madeline, Emma Lee, Jack, Larry, Nina, Sterling, Gaynell, Phillip, and Mickey; a daughter Laura; in-laws – Margaret and William Isbell, Jr.; and a host of relatives and friends.
A Celebration of Life will be held June 29, 2019, at 11:00 a.m. at:
Prince of Peace Lutheran Church
4000 Midway Road
Carrollton, TX 75007
Light refreshments to follow service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in her memory to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital at www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html .
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