Clara Bell Hensley Russell

Clara Bell Hensley Russell was a beloved sister, mother, wife, and grandmother (“Meme”) during her incredible 89 years of life. She passed away peacefully in the afternoon hours of Sunday, February 12, 2023.

Clara was born to Elnore Bernice Wagner and Jack Dawson in Frederick, OK on June 19, 1933, the youngest of their three children. Clara was predeceased by her parents, her brother, Billy Dawson, and recently her eldest brother, Edward Lee Dawson (“Lucky”). Clara’s grandparents, John and Margie Wagner, raised her from the time she was just four years old as Clara’s mom had passed away at that early age.

Clara married Billie Joy Hensley in 1950 and during their 26 years together they had five amazing children residing in Grand Prairie, TX: Gary Dale, Debra Ann, Shannon Joyce, James Edward, and Sandra Lee. In 1995, she married Robert Daniel Russell (“R.D.”) and they both enjoyed traveling and taking long road trips. Clara was predeceased by two of her five children – James and Debra, and her husband, R.D., of 19 years.

Our beautiful and very loving Meme is survived by her 3 children: Gary and his wife, Clara Ann Hensley, Shannon Keating and Sandra Nichols. She leaves behind 9 grandchildren who love their Meme more than words can express: Michael Hensley, Krista Gibson and her husband, Brandon Gibson; Shannon Gallo and her husband, Michael Gallo; James Hensley and his wife, Rebecca Hensley; Mark Hensley and his wife, Kesha Hensley; Chad Hensley and his wife, Sumer Hensley; Holly Norman; Richard Keating and his wife, Vanessa Keating; and Chloe Keating. And Meme loved and adored her 14 great-grandchildren very much: Ava, Mason and Grant Gallo; Emery and Easton Hensley; Zacary, Laila and Alix Kitchen; Raine and Van Hensley; Lynnlee and Willow Keating; Daisey Gibson; and Aaron Hensley.

She also leaves many other family members and dear friends who will also miss her and her humorous, resilient, loyal, and very loving spirit.

Clara was a devoted Christian who always led by example, enjoyed going to church and visiting with all her friends. She loved to quilt and could spend hours in a thrift store shopping for little trinkets – bells, dishes, material for her sewing room, pins, costume jewelry, butterflies and more. Meme also enjoyed cooking in her kitchen – she was a very good cook! And for all who knew Clara well, knows that she had the most amazing, witty personality that always had those around her laughing, and that she could never pass up a delicious dessert…she loved eating her sweets first (and again after) while enjoying a home-cooked meal!

Our precious Meme is now with her heavenly Father living her best life with all her family and friends who have preceded her. She will be missed and will always be loved.

Visitation for Clara Bell Hensley Russell will be at 10:00 a.m. followed by her Funeral at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, February 22, 2023, at Trinity Baptist Church, 2001 W. Pioneer Parkway, Grand Prairie, Texas, 75051, Pastor Steven A. Giordano officiating. Graveside services will be held on Thursday, February 23, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Antioch Cemetery in Oklahoma. [Directions to Antioch Cemetery: take highway 19 to Maysville. On the east side of Maysville, you will come to Highway 74. Turn south and drive 5-7 miles. You will come to Antioch. There is a green cemetery sign at the crossroads. Go west at the sign about a mile and you will see the cemetery on the north side, far back off the road. One down, you will come to the cemetery road and turn north and about ¼ miles up is the cemetery gate. Sec.16-3N-2W.]

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.grandprairiefh.com for the Hensley Russell family.