Cleola (Harris) Austin

Cleola (Harris) Austin, 78, a longtime resident of Colorado Springs, passed away on Friday, December 27, 2013. She was the wife of the late Vance L Austin, JR.

Born in Cusseta, Georgia, daughter of the late James C and Annie Mae (Gardner) Harris. Cleola lived her childhood years in Columbus, Georgia. She was married to Vance Lee Austin, Jr. on January 26, 1953 in Phoenix City, Alabama. Vance was a career military man and Cleola traveled with him on many tours to Europe and throughout the United States. They first arrived in Colorado Springs in the mid 60's, and after another tour in Germany, they returned to Colorado Springs in 1971.

Cleola was retired from Ampex Corporation where she worked for 21 years. She was an active member of Good Shepherd United Methodist Church in Security, Colorado. Over the years, she taught Sunday school, served on the accountability board at Sierra High School, worked as an El Paso County election judge, was active in the NCO Wives Club and women's church auxiliaries, and was always willing to lend a helping hand. She was an award winning bowler, played tennis for a while, was an expert pinochle player, enjoyed traveling, and was a strong believer in living life to its fullest. Cleola was always surrounded by family and friends.

Cleola is survived by her nine children: Brenda Brewington (Philadelphia), Diane Reliford (Colorado Springs), Gary Austin (Las Vegas), Phyllis Austin (Colorado Springs), Larry Austin (Colorado Springs), LaJeune Austin (Denver), Jerry Austin (Colorado Springs), LaTanya Johnson (Denver), and Stephen Austin (Denver). She is also survived by her nine grandchildren and two great-grandchildren: Korey Reliford, Derral Austin, Janelle Kahn, Adena Brewington, Andrea Reliford, Lonete Austin, Ariel Woodbury, Quinton Johnson, Devan Johnson, Korey Jordan Reliford, and Amaris Kahn; a brother James Harris, and her sisters: Dorothy Alexander, Thelma Hunter, Mabel Baldwin, and Estella Palmer; a very dear sister-in-law Catherine Etheridge; and many nieces, nephews, family members, and friends. Cleola was preceded in death by her brother Jerome Harris and her sister Mary Rice.

Services for Cleola include a wake on Thursday, January 2nd from 5:00pm until 8:00pm at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church (1201 Leta Drive, Security, CO, 80911) and the funeral at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church at 13:30pm on Friday, January 3rd, 2014. Cleola's final resting place will be at Ft. Logan Cemetery.

The family wishes to thank everyone who has reached out in the past few days. Flowers may be sent to Good Shepherd United Methodist Church.

Arrangements are by the Evergreen Funeral Home.