Claudena "Dena" Tinkle

Dena Tinkle went home on July 7, 2024. Home is an oft used phrase in these short life articles, but that’s where she now is. She spoke of, and truly anticipated being in the presence of her Lord. Those of us blessed with being around Dena/Mom/Memom/Memouse/Dean, Dean/Teanie can vividly see the expression Christ must have gazed on at 4:48 pm on that day. Those of her close family can imagine it so vividly as to almost be real.

Claudena was born on November 23, 1935, on a farm in Bell County, Texas, to parents Claude and Ida Martin.

Her children, who are overwhelming blessed by God’s placing them in the hands of their parents, are Nathan Tinkle and his wife Wendy of Albany (grandchildren Kolby, Alex Green & her husband Ross, Keely Fernandez and her husband Josiah, and Jayce); Kathy Harris and her husband Mark of Midland (grandchildren Makenna & Caleb), and Diana Marshall and her husband Joe of Rockwall (granddaughter Kelsey Harris & her husband Eric, and Jordan). She was also loved by 9 great grandchildren and numerous extended family members.

When we lost her husband and our father, Nathan, there were a few tears, but not many. There was much celebration and happiness of a true servant of Christ - an amazing example. In losing Dena/Mom, there was also a lightness… a joy and celebration. It was real. Palpable. Much the same. But… different, this time.

It took a few hours to recognize the difference. That was: they were one. Genesis & Ephesians talk about husband and wife becoming one. When we lost Dad, part of him was still here with us in Mom. When we lost Dena/Mom, “they” were now where we want to be, but not here. That thought - that realization, was one of many gifts that we experienced as their children - the incredible example of their marriage, a mirror of Christ and His church - the unity that our parents had. If they were together, they were almost always holding hands. This realization was why we chose the picture that accompanies this life story.

I’ve struggled to convey the impact… the legacy, that Mom had. When I wrote Dad’s short-life article, it was easy. He was larger than life. He did so many things and impacted so many people that I could relate that in his life story. But without Mom, Dad would not have been who he was. God used Mom to introduce Himself to Dad, and anyone that was around Dad knows he conveyed the Spirit of Christ more than anyone that I knew. Well… anyone except Mom. Mom’s unwavering support, commitment and love allowed… enabled Dad to be whom he was.

Mom had an impact on many people’s lives. We’ve received texts of the impact she made as both a teacher and a Sunday school teacher. She still remembered her students that I would occasionally run across due to our unusual last name, as they remembered her. How many remember their 2nd grade teacher and still get excited to make a connection? There were times when her students became teachers, and she helped them get their first rooms ready (Thanks for the reminder, Reggie!) I don’t think she knew the impact she made on so many lives, and while her earthly footprint was a bit smaller than Dad’s, her impact may have been even larger in her quiet way. Quiet does not mean dull! You have only to look through some of the pictures in the slide show to see her humor. She had an incredible laugh, a strong pride in her children and grandchildren, and a fervent desire to see them become part of the family that was most important to her - the family of Christ.

Mom & Dad’s life together began on a Sunday evening, when they were to have their blind date, at which point Dena told the young airman that if they were going to go out on Sunday night, it would be to church. They were married 61 years.

Dena taught 2nd grade spending most of that time at Clyde Elementary. She also formed lifelong friendships with many of her fellow teachers, as well as close couples and families to numerous to mention.

We never saw Dena truly angry; never saw her lose her temper or say a harsh word. One of the observations we did see is that she was a prayer warrior. Rarely will there be children and grandchildren more prayed for.

She was always ready to host - family holidays and friends from out of town - creating wonderful smells and warm, welcome feelings of belonging.

She spent the last almost four years at home with her daughter Diana and son-in-law, Joe. We thank them, in the strongest terms possible, for the love, patience, joy and sacrifices they made during this time. In return, Diana and her mother were best of friends, playing games and watching movies almost constantly in the evenings and on weekends. To Diana and Joe, we state here what a comfort you were, not only to Mom, but to the rest of the family as well. Thank you.

God blessed us. We love and miss you Dena/Mom/Memom/Memouse/Dean Dean/Teanie. More so than any other time save one, I can only imagine the reaction you had when coming face to face with your Lord, and hearing: well done. And now there are the two of you, finding out how you react in the presence of the One who shaped every corner of your lives.

A graveside service celebrating Dena’s life and Christian legacy will be held on Monday, July 15th, 10 a.m. at Elliot-Hamil Garden of Memories, 5701 Hwy 277 in Abilene. A come and go viewing will be held on Sunday, July 14th, from 2-4 pm at Eliott-Hamil Funeral Home. (Graveside services will be live streamed with an access link on the Eliot-Hamil FaceBook site.)

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Foster’s Home for Children in Stephenville, TX, or to Love & Care Ministries in Abilene.

To leave condolences please visit, www.elliott-hamil.com