Sept. 1, 1940 - Dec. 8, 2012
SOUTH BEND - Clara Chism Austin, born on September 1, 1940, in Jackson, Tennessee, to the late Edward L. and Cora (Mackey) Chism, peacefully left this life and went to forever rest in the arms of Jesus December 8, 2012. A deeply religious woman, Clara left her earthly body with no fear and no doubts. She loved the Lord and knew that the moment she saw His face all of her pain would end. At the age of 2, Clara's parents decided to relocate the family from Tennessee to South Bend, Indiana. Clara attended and then graduated from South Bend Washington High School in 1958. Upon graduation, Clara was employed as one of the first African Americans in the accounting department at St. Joseph Bank. Later, she worked for St. Joseph Hospital as a nurse's aide. In addition, Clara was an exceptionally skilled, self-taught, professional seamstress. She created her first piece in middle school. Following that success, she immediately began taking commissions for her work. On August 11th, 1962, Clara married the love of her life, the late Samuel Austin Jr., at Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church. To that union three children were born, Dana (Craig) Austin-Marsh (of South Bend), Darla Austin and Samuel Dion Austin III (both of Indianapolis). Clara and Sam both had dreams of opening and running their own business. That shared entrepreneurial desire was realized when they opened "The Toy Soldier" located in the 100 Center Mall. After many successful years as owner/operators of the toy store, Clara made the decision to focus her energy on the care of her three children. After her youngest went to middle school she realized another life-long dream and began working as a developmental kindergarten teacher at Lincoln Elementary School. Clara was a consummate professional and a dedicated mother. In fact, she was so well-respected that she was considered the neighborhood mother to many of her children's friends - doing whatever was needed to provide love and support. Clara was a constant and welcome presence in her children's schools, where she spent a great deal of time as a volunteer. In addition, she served as the cheerleading coach and usher sponsor at John Adams High School, and as a voluntary librarian at McKinley School. Along with her husband Samuel and their three children, Clara was a member of Macedonia Baptist Church for 37 years. In 1999, she became a member in good standing at Faith Apostolic Ministries where she served as a leader of the Ministerial Staff and Mothers Board until her transition. Clara was a woman of strong faith. She walked with God and communed daily with Him. She knew Him as a healer and a deliverer - as He stayed the hands of death more than once from her. She loved her life here on earth and was prepared for life eternal with her Lord and Savior. Those left to cherish her memory, along with her children, are her grandsons, Darrius (Anglee) Austin (of Indianapolis), Kristoffer Austin, Derron Austin, Braylon Marsh, and a special granddaughter and caregiver, April Brown. In addition, and born two days after her transition, a great-grandson, Darrius Q.L. Austin Jr. She will be forever missed by a cousin/sister, Mattie Ann Rogers. She is also survived by her sisters-in-law: Geraldine Cheaton, Betty Austin-Berry, Debra (Richard) Jennings; her brothers-in-law: Carl (Marilyn) Taylor, Percy Jones, Geno Austin (West Virginia) and William (Janathan) Austin (of Grand Rapids, MI); along with a host of loving family and friends - all of whom while loved and cherished cannot be mentioned here. Special friends of 52 years deserve mention, Mrs. Amy (Robert) Baker and Mrs. Marcia (Robert) Gammage, as well as close personal friends, Ms. Lillie Keeys and Mrs. Myrtle (John) Doaks. The family would also like to thank Cancer Care Partners, Memorial 10th floor staff, and Hospice. He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most high God, shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. Psalms 91:1 Funeral services for Mrs. Clara Austin will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 15, 2012, at Faith Apostolic Ministries, with visitation occurring at the church from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Arrangements have been entrusted to Alford's Mortuary where messages of condolence may be e-mailed to [email protected], c/o the Austin family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our deepest sympathy.
Shirley Chism Chew & Family
Merrillville, Indiana
January 2, 2013
To the family of Clara Austin, I will charish and treasure our childhood friendship. In sympathy, God Bless You All.
Denoris J Jackson
December 25, 2012
Grief can be so hard during the holidays, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one this holiday season.
Carol Powell
December 18, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Juanita Harris
December 18, 2012
Clara and Sam Were in my class at Washington high school. They were two wonderful people and I feel blessed being there friend.
Mike Vaszari
December 16, 2012
To the Austin family,
In this time of bereavement we send our prayers and love to the family. We will always remember Clara Austin, a truly wonderful person that will be greatly missed.
Love, Barbara Lawson & Family (Rod, Nikki & Joi)
Barbara Lawson
December 15, 2012
To the Family of Clara Austin,
Although she will be missed dearly, take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel watching over you. Clara was a friend of our family since high school.
Hattie Hurd
December 14, 2012
Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.
Marion & Madelyn marsh
December 14, 2012
Great woman! Praying for all (especially Dana, Darla, Dion) who mourn & will miss her.
Zamiki Chism
December 14, 2012
Dana, Darla, and Dion as you already know and many of your family's friends have also confirmed, Clara was a wonderful woman and friend. Growing up next door to your parents was wonderful. I couldn't wait to get home from school and head next door where your mom and I would talk and talk and talk! She gave me my first job which was babysitting the three of you. She also was my unofficial/oficial wedding coordinator even before wedding coordinators became in vogue. I will miss her deeply but she is resting in the arms of our Lord. We are praying for all of you!
Marilyn Manns
December 14, 2012
Dana, Darla, Dion-I am praying for you all. Ms. Clara was a wonderful woman who has been a part of my life ever since I could remember. I am so grateful to God that I had the opportunity to know and love her! I know she is resting in the arms of Jesus and is reunited with your father. I love you all and may God continue to comfort you and bless you during this time!
Donyalla (Dony) Manns
December 14, 2012
Dana, Darla, and Dion:
My heart broke with I heard aboout Mother Austin....
Mother Austin was an exceptional woman of God and made you feel special EVERY time you saw her. You could feel God's spirit in her whenever you were around her.
I just saw her and Darla in Walmart a couple of weeks ago, and she asked ME how I was doing and how my son was. She then gave me the greatest hug.
Mother Austin will be missed by SOOOOO many, myself included.
Take comfort in the great memories, the love that she had for you and know that she is rejoicing with her Lord and personal Savior for ever.
All my prayers, thoughts, love and God's Blessings upon your family!
Nakesha Alexander
December 14, 2012
Darla Dana and Dion you're in my prayers and thoughts cousins your mom was a amazing woman she will truly be missed love you guys. Ms Clara I'm gonna miss your smiling face at the reunions you're home now hosting the biggest Chism reunion God Bless.
Renae Adams and family
December 14, 2012
Dana and Sam- I was sorry to hear of your mom passing and hope that you find peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Amy Evans (Norris)
December 13, 2012
I was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Clara. I knew both your Mom and Dad and the entire Austin family. They are all beautiful people. Your Mom was a very dear and special person. My heart goes out to all of your family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. May God continue to comfort and strengthen you now and always.
Charlotte Watkins-Moore
December 13, 2012
Clara Chism Austin Family: My thoughts and prayers are with you on the death of your dear mother and grandmother. Sam and Clara were good friends of mine in South Bend. May she rest in peace.
Susie Franklin Chandler
December 13, 2012
Dear Dana, Darla, and Dion,
Words cannot express the deep joy that I feel in knowing that cousin Clara is no longer in pain, now being lavished by the Lord's presence. However, I admit that I share with you the sadness that remains knowing that your mom is no longer with us. I am praying for you all - for your peace to increase, for your joy to be full, and that the Comforter Himself would swaddle you in his enduring love. What a phenomenal woman your mom was! I wish that I could be with you during the home going service, but time and circumstance do not permit. Loving you from afar, Syrilda
December 13, 2012
To the Ausin Family, Keep your faith in God and he will help you through this difficult time. Clara was my friend since high school, she was a beautiful person with a laugh that would light up any room. She will be missed.
Brenda Gammage
December 13, 2012
Dana, Darla and Dion and the Austin Family: Please know that you are in my prayers. I will miss Clara. We went to Harrison School together and graduated from Washington H.S. together. She would sew for me from time to time. She was such a wonderful friend. May God bless you all.
Janice Marable
December 13, 2012
Dana and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. Cherish the wonderful memories. May God send his comforter to be with you all
Helene Asuquo-Ettang
December 13, 2012
We thank God for the life of Cousin Clara who always met us everyone with a smile. We're sure she is yet resting in God's arms with that same smile. Love. Hubert and Modean Reeves
December 13, 2012
A beautiful rose that God has picked for his heavenly garden. You fought a good fight and will be missed dearly.
Shirley Gorden
December 13, 2012
I have wonderful memories of you.
Calvin Russell
December 13, 2012
I remember so many fond memories growing up around and in your family. I am so greatful that Katherine was able to know and love you like i do. She'll always remember calling you granny Austin and you calling her Tina Tina. I'll miss you dearly and love you always.
Carlatina & Katherine Hampton
December 13, 2012
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
December 13, 2012
Mrs. Austin was a great influence for many of us in the neighborhood. I always learned from her and the example that she showed through her actions and the actions of her children. She will truly be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Dayatra Smith
December 13, 2012
Always a bright light,shining to encourage others!Such fond memories never to be forgotten;from the work- place to your home your light shined.
Mildred Miller
December 13, 2012
Although my heart hurts, I already miss you,but know that you are not struggling any longer; you made your requests known, you've done a excellent raising ALL OF US, now its time for you to rest from labor. Rest in heaven and give a shout out and praise to all the family in heaven. Go ahead and use those marvelous craft skills and make your throne. LOVE YOU MUCH!
Traci J. Gammage
December 13, 2012
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Robin Guyton
December 13, 2012
Words are not enough, all I can say is, Mrs. Austin was always so kind and pleasant. Dana, my heart goes out to you and your family. Love Deborah Taylor
Deborah Taylor
December 13, 2012
May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.
Lonnie & Charlotte Taylor
December 13, 2012
Thoughts and prayers to your family. So sorry for your loss Mrs. Austin was a beautiful woman with a heart of gold. R.I.H.
Angela & Raymond Martin
December 13, 2012
To the family of Mrs. Austin....you have our prayers. We know to be absent from the body is to be present with The Lord.
Bishop Chris & Mrs. Sarah Williams
December 13, 2012
To the family of Clara Austin: I extend my deepest sympathy. Our Heavenly Father has welcomed home another Angel.
Benjamin L. Nicks
Carmel, California
December 13, 2012
Dana, Darla, Dion, and grandkids mom will be missed. But not forgotten. She gave all of us so many great memories. And she is now looking over us. God decided he needed her more, but hold up your heads mom is there.
Stevie Joe Cheaton
December 13, 2012
MAY GOD BLESS THE AUSTIN FAMILY!! MOTHER AUSTIN WILL BE SURELY MISSED. I DIDN'T KNOW HER THAT WELL.
Geraldine Irby
December 13, 2012
I could write a book on all the memories with you and what you've done for me. I'm sad yet glad at the same time that you are at rest. I will greatly miss you Clara, oh how I will miss you...
Lois Stewart
December 13, 2012
We love you Mrs. Austin and will miss you dearly!
Paxton and Cheryl Reed
December 13, 2012
My prayers & thoughts are with Mrs.Clara Austin's entire family at this time of need.
Tifinie Mathews
December 13, 2012
My sincre prayers go out to the children to Mother Austin. Although I haven't seen the in many years I remember the as a beautiful Christian woman. While growing up in So. Bend I remember moma secured her professional. seamstress skills. She made my sister, Vicki,and I the. prettiest Easter outfits that I will always remember & cherish! Thanks you Austin family for sharing your beautiful mom with The So. Bend community. Blessings to you as you celebrate her life & lega y back home.
Dana Harris Carter
December 13, 2012
To Dion and Family. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. May God wrap His arms around you and give you the comfort you need.
Bettye McKoy
December 12, 2012
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