Sara Chamless Austin

To Sara's daughters and brother, and all who loved and still loves Sara, my heart still swells with love, loss, and memories of Sara's good humor. I still well up when I think of my mom's and Sara's lifelong friendship, and how I am Sara's namesake, because my mom loved Sara that much! I hope that you are healing and have found that special place in her heart where Sara's spirit lives within you, as my mom's does in me!
Aloha Nui, always
Kela Murchison
(Daughter of Jan Dapitan)

I'm noticing my smile creeps up when I think of Sara now. Even during our final visit in Cocoa, prior to my mom passing 5 months after our visit, Sara recognized her long-time friend, Janet (mom), and recognized some of the photos that mom had brought from their time together at Huntington. The deep connection that Sara and my mom shared, still, as I witnessed, made my heart swell, and I felt the love from Sara. I will never forget her, and never forget her unwavering love for my mom.

Sara was...is..my namesake. My mom, Janet or "J", was Sara's college roommate and friend. Mom loved her so much, she named me after her! Every time mom visited her family in Alabama, a visit with Sara was always included! This photo is from one of those trips, where I was also able to join them! Sara's love for life and humorous and jovial personality brought smiles and lifted hearts! I loved Sara and am so proud to have been named after her! (I was born in Hawaii, so mom named me the Hawaiian translation of Sara-which is Kela) Much love and aloha to you all!

This news takes over my heart..tis bittersweet, knowing that we will miss Sara on this Earth with us, but cherish the thought that she is, indeed, with Ted, and her dear college and life-long friend (my mom), Janet, which Sara called "J". My tears flow for you all, Iva and daughters, and know that I will hold her in the center of my heart, there with mom! The two of them together again. Kela Murchison (Thank you Constance for this day in July 2019, and for taking this photo!)

Sara was a very special friend all the way through school and beyond. She was so popular--cheerleader, best dancer, spirited--everybody laughted with Sara having fun. We were a group of seven girls growing up together; and now, in our eighties, we are four. Love ti you, Sara.