Kerri Diann Chambers

Kerri Diann Chambers, beloved mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on October 25th at the age of 62. Born in Denison, Texas, to James and Gertrude Ayres, Kerri brought warmth, passion, and creativity to everything she did.

Kerri moved to Austin where she dedicated four decades to her work as a legal secretary. She was known for her professionalism, attention to detail, and unwavering dedication. Outside of work, she had a remarkable zest for life, pursuing a variety of hobbies and interests that showcased her love for nature and animals. She was an avid birder, spending hours observing and appreciating the beauty of the natural world. Kerri was also a skilled kayaker, often paddling through serene waterways in search of peace and inspiration.

Kerri was raised in a strong Christian home. She attended Mount Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church throughout her childhood--Sunday morning, Sunday night, and Wednesday night, If the doors were open, she was there. It was on one of those Wednesday nights, March 24, 1971, that Kerri was saved. At the age of 8 years old, she trusted Jesus as her Savior and was baptized the following Sunday. Kerri had a beautiful voice and sometimes sang special music at church. She also participated in Vacation Bible Schools, Girls Auxiliary, and church camps.

An animal lover to her core, Kerri’s compassion extended beyond her own family and friends. She rescued countless dogs in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina and continued her efforts locally, finding homes for animals in need. Kerri also had a love for succulents, nurturing an impressive collection that showcased her green thumb. Additionally, she was a gifted photographer, capturing moments of beauty and wonder through her lens, and she enjoyed sharing her work on websites she designed herself.

Kerri is survived by her loving mother, Gertrude Ayres; her son, Brandon Rench; and her siblings, Kayla Mills and Darren Ayres. She was preceded in death by her father, James Ayres, and her late husbands, Matthew Rench and Charles Chambers. Kerri’s memory lives on through the family and friends who loved her dearly and will forever miss her kindness, creativity, and indomitable spirit.

A celebration of Kerri’s life will be held on November 13th at 1:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home/Forest Oaks in Austin, Texas. Family and friends are invited to gather to honor her memory. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in tribute to Kerri Chambers at Austin Pets Alive, https://www.austinpetsalive.org