Charlotte was born July 21, 1938 in Beaumont, Texas to Estil Mace and Lois Stafford Linnens. She was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. J. Kent Dezelle of Beaumont and her sister Genny Richardson of Elkins Lake, Texas and is survived by son Bryan DeCordova and wife Bee of Austin, Texas; son Mark DeCordova and wife Kristie of Conroe; grandchildren Stephen DeCordova, Scott DeCordova, Kaleigh DeCordova, Colby DeCordova and Rachel DeCordova. Also surviving her are: sister-in-law Jackie Bean and husband Raymond of Birmingham, Alabama; brother-in-law Roland Richardson of Kingwood Texas; cousin George Anderson of Beaumont; nephews Mike Richardson and wife Donna of Friendswood, Texas and Casey Richardson and husband Jaime Constancio of Houston, Texas and niece Tammy Cooney and husband Richard of Kingwood; numerous grandnieces and nephews as well many “adopted” cousins and grandchildren and dear friends.
Charlotte grew up in Beaumont and attended Beaumont High School (Class of 1954). She graduated from Lamar, University later in life with a degree in Dental Hygiene, which she used in partnership with her husband in his children’s dental practice. She was a member of the Beaumont High School band, as well the dance team and a classically trained violinist. During her life she pursued many hobbies including golf, fishing, hunting, music and photography and was a Texas State Ladies’ Trap champion. In the 80’s she joined her husband and friends Denna and Steve Bruce of Austin to form the “MAC” (Middle Aged Crazies) garage band and enjoyed jamming with their many friends. She became a self-taught gourmet chef and loved to cook and bake. She hosted what became known as the annual "Homeless Christmas" for friends without family or for those that could not be with their families. She was always looking for an opportunity to use her gifts of hospitality and giving. She spent the majority of her later years as caregiver for others including her mother, her aunt and her husband.
She was a member of the Calvary Baptist Church in Beaumont until she moved to Conroe in 2015. While in Conroe, Charlotte continued to serve others. She became involved in the Tres Dias ministry where she served faithfully. Her smile was evidence of the joy in her heart which overflowed to everyone in her life. She recently said that this was the happiest time of her life, no doubt due to her friendship and many adventures with the “Thelma to her Louise”, Deb Smutny of Montgomery, Texas and her love for her Lord Jesus Christ. She is forever with Him now.
In lieu of flowers, the family ask that donations be made to the general fund of Restoration Church (restorationchuchwf.org).
