Charliss Archer Cabe

On December 10th, 2017, we said goodbye to Charliss Archer Cabe after a brief and unexpected battle with Leukemia. One would have to look long and hard to find another person so quintessentially Austin as Charliss. Born on February 18, 1950, to Charlie and Lois Archer, Charliss came from a family that traces its roots to the founding fathers of the State of Texas, and its own history is intertwined with that of the state, with Archers having manned the "Twin Sisters" cannons shortly after the Battle of Jan Jacinto, served in the state government, and participated in the LBJ administration.

Charliss spent her teenage years at Lanier High School, sewing her own bell bottom jeans, pining after all things Beatles (especially Paul), and spiriting her little brother, Craig, and sister, Cheryl, away on adventures. And true to that Austin nature, her social conscience and independent streak led her to march for the Civil Rights Movement and later to attend the Nixon-Clay school of business where she trained to be one of the first programmers of the massive IBM mainframes in the Texas Department of Health.

Charliss had an unforgettable style that was all her own, characterized by a sporty green Camaro and later in life a bright red 300Z, highlighted by equally vibrant clothes, and punctuated by a laugh that held nothing back.

But Charliss will be remembered above all for her abiding faith in God, a legacy which she passed on to her children and shared with so many others, especially those who may otherwise have been overlooked. Her passion for studying the scriptures and the history of the Bible, which she shared with her husband, David, inspired them in retirement to take up studies at the Austin Graduate School of Theology. Almost as meaningful to her was taking time to explore the world, from early vacations with her children to the nation's monuments and parks to later trips with treasured friends to the Holy Lands, Egypt, and so many other destinations.

Charliss spent the last few years of her life giving so much to help David in a difficult journey with ALS. Her incredible example of strength, perseverance, and love was evidence of God’s hand at work in her, and we rejoice to know she is now at home with him.

Charliss will be greatly missed by her sister, Cheryl Dacy and husband Mike; her brother, Craig Archer and wife Geri; her children: Greg Cabe and wife Kristin; and Amanda Carter and husband Jason. She will also be missed by her grandchildren, Carter and Emmy Cabe, and Emily and Jackson Carter; and her nieces and nephews, Cory, Christopher, Craig and Kera Dacy; and Amy Archer Rigsby, John Alan, Matthew, and Abbie Archer.

Contributions in Charliss' memory may be made to the Austin Graduate School of Theology and the ALS Association of Texas.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, December 16, 2017 from 3:00 to 5:00 P.M. at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar Blvd., Austin, Texas, 78752. A funeral service will take place on Sunday, December 17, 2017 at 1:00 P.M. at Brentwood Oaks Church of Christ 11908 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas 78753 with a graveside service to follow at Austin Memorial Park Cemetery.

To leave condolence for the family please visit our online memorial at http://www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com