CLARA (CHISM) AUSTIN

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 Alfordsmortuary@att.net, c/o the Austin family.

Published by South Bend Tribune on Dec. 13, 2012.

03/22/2023 EJS