Mrs. Claudia O'Dell Byers Westmoreland

Claudia O’dell (Byers) Westmoreland was born in Eustace, Texas, on April 28, 1928 and left earth for Heaven June 2, 2016. Her entire life was lived in Henderson, Van Zandt and Kaufman counties. Her love for hometown Mabank ran deep.

Claudia was preceded in death by her husband of 50 years, JT (Peavine) Westmoreland; her parents – Mattie Henson Byers and James S Byers; brothers- James Marvin Byers, Roy E Byers, Lonnie E Byers, Orval Glenn Byers; sisters – Nellie Mae Boyde, Letha Laverne Harper, Bonnie M Wilson, Patsy S Ashton; and son-in-law James L January.

Claudia is survived by: sons - Roy L Mills and wife Rita, of Tool, TX; Billy R Mills and wife Barbie of Seabeck, WA; daughters - Ann January of Mabank; Donna J Hyde and husband Glenn of Mabank; Grandchildren – James B January (Brenda), Melinda Fudge, Melissa Henderson (Lance), Jeff L Hyde (Mary), Jody Hyde Luna (Lance), David Mills (Stephanie), Caitlin Mills, Jennie Franks, Bryan Franks; great grandchildren; Bonus children: Tommy G Westmoreland (Cheryl), Malone, TX; Linda Westmoreland Bolden (Bud), Hillsboro, TX; brothers: Jimmy W Byers (Jan) of Mesquite, Vernon Byers (Joyce) of Athens; sisters: Hazel Weaver of Malakoff, Shirley Roman of Tool, Edie Featherston of Tool.

Claudia’s eleven school years were at Payne Springs Community School. One of her beloved teachers was Mrs. H. L. Allison of Mabank. Claudia’s longtime career was as Owner of Petticoat Junction Cafeteria which was in Mabank’s old train depot. Home cooked lunches of chicken fried steak with cream pies as the finisher were her specialty. In retirement, she enjoyed gardening, reading, and was a volunteer support for Mabank Fire Department and Mabank Area Good Samaritans. Claudia leaves a legacy of always work hard, be honest, behave, and keep moving. She was a Christian by faith and a member of Central Baptist Church Mabank.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Mabank Volunteer Fire Dept, 111 E Mason St, Mabank, TX 75147 or Mabank Area Good Samaritans, 405 W Walnut St, Mabank, Texas 75147.