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Harriet Cavness Obituary
Harriet married Buford Barclay in 1957 and became a dutiful Marine Corp wife. Children Bob and Linda followed soon after. Tragically, Buford was killed in an aircraft accident shortly after Linda was born. Harriet returned to Tyler to live near both sets of grandparents. In 1962, Harriet married Joe Cavness and moved to Houston. Joe adopted Bob and Linda and a few years later, daughter Jill was born. The family moved to Austin in 1977. Harriet worked as a registrar at Westlake High School from 1981-1999 and UT Charter Schools from 1999 until her retirement in 2003.
Harriet was a tireless volunteer for the PTA, Scouts, and especially at church. She was known for her hospitality and her house was always open to whoever needed a bed to crash in, a hot meal or a shoulder to cry on. Harriet had a gift for making people feel loved and valued. But the role that Harriet was the most devoted to and excelled at was that of mother and grandmother. She regarded that job as the most important on Earth and we are the grateful beneficiaries. Throughout her life, she was a pillar of unwavering faith, finding strength and purpose in her deep devotion to God, and living out her faith in her love and care for others.
Harriet was preceded in death by her parents, brothers, her husbands, her beloved son, Bob and stepson, Charlie. She is survived by her daughters Linda Rose (Brian) and Jill Garrity (Kevin), her grandchildren Jamie Koch (Ryan), Kelsey Aspenleiter (Alex), Rob Garrity, and Kelly Powell (Trebor) and three great-grandchildren, along with many others who considered her a second mom.
A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, May 17 at Westlake Hills Presbyterian Church at 3 p.m. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Texas Organ Sharing Alliance (https://tosa1.org/about#12) and if you are led to do so, please register as an organ donor with Donate Life Texas (https://www.donatelifetexas.org).
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Harriet Cavness
Jack ragsdill
December 1, 2025
Jill & Linda this is Jack Ragsdill offering my condolences. I have many great memories with you and your Mom in Spring Branch.
Susie Hawkins
April 11, 2025
Harriet brought so much spunk and laughter to our family! She was one of a kind, we will truly miss her.
Chris Gordon
April 9, 2025
Rest in peace to an absolute gem of a human being! My husband and I met Harriet during our time at SHPC, and I spent time with her while I was on staff and she served as a volunteer in the church office. She was always so warm and welcoming, and also incredibly feisty and fun! We adored her, and we are so grateful to have known her. Much love to Linda and Jill.
Carol Gilchrist
April 7, 2025
Dear Linda and Jill. I was so sorry to hear that your mom passed. My husband and I met your mom in 1986 at SHPC and fell in love with her immediately. She greeted us so warmly. We missed her when she moved away but thought of her often. Her smile lit up the place. I am so sorry for your loss. sincerely, Carol Gilchrist
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Carol Gilchrist
April 7, 2025
Linda and Jill, I am so sorry to hear of your mom's passing. My husband and I met her in about 1985 at SHPC and loved her so much. She was so friendly and greeted us so warmly. We missed her when she moved away but thought of her often. Her smile lit up the place. I am happy we got to know her.
Sincerely, Carol Gilchrist
Stephen Cragg
April 5, 2025
Linda and Jill, y'all are on my heart and in my prayers. I loved your family, especially your mom! I so remember our old MYF days and all the special moments we shared. I shared this news with my dad who is ninety-six. He sends his love. Love y'all! Steve Cragg
Max Westbrook
April 5, 2025
Jill - I am thinking of you and your family during this time of mourning.
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