Claudette Southward

HER LIFE STORY...

Claudette Roberts Southward was born on November 20, 1945 to the late Rozelle Roberts and Eloise Roberts in Detroit, Michigan.

Claudette confessed and accepted Christ at an early age. She graduated from Isaac C. Elston High School. In 1963 she started her banking career with first merchant bank, now known as Horizon Bank. She started as a proof operator and went on to become a Teller and a personal banker. In 2006 she joined Four Winds Casino as a slot floor attendant and retired in 2013. After retirement she worked for Michigan city area schools in the food service department. Claudette loved to play bingo, visit the casinos and also cookouts with family. In 1966 she married Michael Hester Sr. who preceded her in death to this union two sons were born. In 1990 she married K.C Earl Southward who proceeds her in death, to this union she gained two daughters.

Claudette Southward 79, of Michigan City, Indiana went home to be with the Lord on April 3, 2025 at Franciscan Health of Michigan City. She was preceded in death by her parents, maternal and paternal grandparents along with a host of relatives and friends that welcomed her into Heaven. 

She leaves to cherish her memories: 2 sons: Michael, (Shunda) Hester Jr., and Dee j Hester all of Laporte, IN; 2 stepdaughters: Althea Allen, Aleisha Hurt, both of MS; 3 brothers: George (Gloria) Roberts of Indianapolis, IN; Charles & Booker Roberts who preceded her in death, 9 grandchildren: Mykia, Michael III, Shaneika, Daevon, Alanah, Malia, Jaleel, Deion, and Jordan, 1 sister n law: Juanita Benning of Michigan City, IN; special nieces: Pearlie Sanders, Deborah Nelson, Carolyn (Austin) Judy Nelson, Donna Southward, Stasi Benning, Debbie Fly, Nephew: Dennis (Arlena) Hart, Nieces: Nicole Robert, Tamara Roberts, Dawn Roberts, Special friends: Murtie Reed Janet Thomas, Maxine Hawkins, Shirley Jenes, also her sugar group, family, Eastern star family, and Zion Hill MBC family, member -new Saint Rose chapter #40 sugar gang.

Claudette's love, laughter, and smile will be sorely missed by all that knew her.

A Celebration of life will be Saturday, April 12, 2025 at 11am, Zion Hill Baptist Church 123 Helen St. Michigan City, Indiana with Pastor James E. Lane Jr., to be Eulogist. Viewing will be 10am until time of service. Burial to follow at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens 5700 W US HWY 20 Michigan City, Indiana 46360. 

2 Matthew 5:4 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers. 

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