Mrs. Claudia Kay Hutchings

A beautiful angel went home to be with our Lord at 5:48 P.M. on Wednesday, March 11, 2020. Claudia Hutchings of Roanoke, Texas, was a loving wife, a caring sister, a fun-loving aunt, a talented colleague, and a loyal friend. She touched the lives of so many with her spiritual strength, unwavering faith, and irresistible joy – all in the face of terrible adversity. She strove to comfort those around her, even as she suffered with breast cancer. She brightened everyone she touched, even in the darkest of times. Claudia was born on July 7, 1948, in Dallas, Texas, to Clifford and Julie Houser.

She grew up in the piney woods of East Texas, where, in 1966, she won the Miss Gladewater pageant. After college, Claudia found a talent for education and sales in the cosmetics industry. She retired from Estée Lauder in 2007 after an exceptional 19-year career as an education executive. Many of her students are still with Estée Lauder using the same valuable sales techniques she taught them. They often ask about Claudia by name, remembering her as the best sales instructor they ever had. In 2015, she retired from Kiehl’s after several successful years as store manager. Claudia’s store in Highland Park Village showed the most improved profit in the country, and it became the highest grossing store in Dallas.

Claudia is survived by Eric Hutchings, her husband of nearly 11 years; mother-in-law Mona Morris; fathers-in-law Roger Morris and Michael Hutchings; brother Clifford Houser and his wife, Cindy; brother Mike Drinkwater and his wife, Tish; sister Juliana Jones; numerous nieces and nephews, including Michael and Camie Drinkwater; their children: Caroline, Michael, and John; Phyllis Drinkwater; and Debbi Drinkwater. Claudia loved her wonderful and supportive friends at Estée Lauder, Kiehl’s, and Soft Surroundings; all “The Sistahs:” Jo Darling, Cathy Hartwell, Linda Schubert, Anna Simpson, and Derya Topakas; and Doreen Hatcher, a true friend and faithful supporter who loved Claudia with all her heart. We will greatly miss Claudia’s indomitable spirit, beautiful smile, and infectious laughter, but we know she is happy and healthy now with our merciful God in heaven. Claudia insisted there be no mournful funeral or memorial service. Instead, she will be fondly remembered and joyously celebrated with wine, food, music, family, and friends – a big Celebration of Life party to be scheduled and announced at a later date. In the interim, smaller gatherings will be held at Claudia and Eric’s home in Roanoke, Texas. Claudia loved all our four-legged friends, so please send donations to the SPCA of Texas by visiting https://www.spca.org in lieu of sending flowers. Online condolences may be made by visiting www.bluebonnethills.com.

Until we see you again, sweet Claudia, we love you.