Cora Stelle Claughton Lacefield

Cora Stelle Billingsley Claughton Lacefield, devoted educator, respected community leader, and beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on June 6, 2026, in Spring, Texas, at the age of 92.

Born on October 21, 1933, in Reader, Arkansas, Stelle dedicated her life to serving others through education. A graduate of the University of South Arkansas with a Bachelor of Arts degree, she began her teaching career in 1957 in the Houston and Spring Independent School Districts. Over the course of a distinguished forty-two-year career, she taught English, served as a guidance counselor, principal, curriculum director, and ultimately retired as Assistant Superintendent of Personnel Services, Support Services, and Community Relations for Spring Independent School District.

In 1970, Stelle was named principal of Bammel Middle School, where she pioneered innovative middle school instruction in one of the first open-space middle schools in the Houston area. She later served as principal of Spring High School before assuming district leadership positions that would impact generations of students, educators, and families. Her dedication, vision, and unwavering commitment to public education left an enduring mark on the community she loved.

In recognition of her extraordinary service, Spring Independent School District honored her by naming Stelle Claughton Middle School in her honor. The school stands as a lasting tribute to her decades of leadership, mentorship, and devotion to educational excellence.

Stelle was preceded in death by her parents, Albert Billingsley and Gladys Mosley Billingsley; her brothers, Marion Billingsley and Bob Billingsley; and her beloved husband, Ike Raymond Lacefield.

She is survived by her daughter, Louann Ryan Seleznov and husband, Richard Seleznov; her son, William Russell Claughton and fiancée, Denise Blasz; her grandchildren, Matthew Ryan Wanninger, Sarah Elizabeth Ann Donahue and husband, James Donahue, and Derrick Allen Stogsdill and wife, Samantha Stogsdill; her cherished great-grandchildren, Jaxon Donahue, Carly Stogsdill, Ryan Stogsdill, and Brooks Stogsdill; and her beloved sister, Norma Elizabeth Norris and husband, James Norris, along with numerous nieces and nephews.

Stelle will be remembered for her wisdom, grace, strength of character, and steadfast belief in the power of education to change lives. Her influence reached far beyond the schools she served, touching the lives of countless students, teachers, colleagues, and community members. She leaves behind a legacy of service, leadership, and love that will continue to inspire future generations.

Though she will be deeply missed, her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

A graveside service celebrating Stelle’s life will be held at Arlington Memorial Park in El Dorado, Arkansas, on June 19, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. under the direction of Young's Funeral Directors.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.

May she rest in eternal peace.

Condolences can be express at www.youngsfuneralhome.com.