Audrey K. Scofield

Audrey K. Scofield of Austin, Texas passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 1, 2016 at her home. Audrey was born on August 3, 1925 in Hillsboro, Texas in Hill County to A. Lee Kirkpatrick and Dolly Prater Kirkpatrick. Audrey had one dear sister, Dorothy.

She enjoyed small-town life, especially when as a teenager she accompanied her best friend, Martha Scofield as they burned up the country roads taunting the likes of Red Duke and Bob Bullock, to name a few. Amidst the fun and adventure, Audrey was also molded by her mother to develop an organized work ethic few could match and one that would serve her well for the rest of her life.

Upon graduating from Hillsboro High School, Audrey moved into a small apartment with her older sister and two other friends in Austin. Audrey enjoyed her work at a law firm as well as the fun that the big city had to offer. Her popularity was much to the chagrin of the older girls as she had blossomed into "the best- *damn-looking woman in Hill County," as her friend Bob Bullock famously dubbed her.

As fate would have it, one weekend her best friend's older brother, Lewis was instructed by his younger brother Vernon to find him a date as he was home for a visit from Texas A&M. His disappointment when told he had a date with childhood friend Audrey Kirkpatrick--"that little ol' girl?"--quickly vanished. It was truly love at first sight for the young couple upon renewing their childhood acquaintance. Audrey married her soulmate and the love of her life, Vernon Scofield at the Post Chapel at Camp Lee in Petersburg, Virginia, on November 18, 1943 just two weeks before he was deployed to North Africa. Audrey was only able to share letters with Vernon during those long years he was away, but despite the fear and uncertainty, stayed strong. Her strength and grace under duress as she went through life were traits that were much admired and emulated, and gave her the inner beauty to match her outer loveliness.

After the war, Audrey enjoyed accompanying Vernon, a born cattleman, to cattle shows (pure-bred Durham Shorthorns) from Houston to Chicago and beyond. They made their home on the ranch off the Dallas Highway just north of Austin (now Scofield Farms). Audrey and Vernon were the perfect match, whether it was her helping him roof their one bedroom home, chasing cattle back behind a busted fence or him sporting her around the dance floor at one of their many club events. Audrey was wife, companion, hostess and mom to her dear children, Nancy and John. And could Audrey cook! Among other things, she was famous for her much-in-demand cheese crackers. She devoted her life to supporting Vernon's career as it went from cowman, to executive, to citizen soldier. She offered her home to entertain visiting cattlemen, generals, statesmen and friends, always the gracious hostess.

Audrey often proclaimed, "I've had a wonderful life, and did more than I thought I would ever do. We were so very fortunate." It was when she met Vernon that her life began, and while she had so many fond memories of their world-wide travel and adventure, she was never happier than just being together at home with Vernon. Audrey and Vernon are once again united to share eternity in each other's loving arms, and knowing this brings us much comfort and peace. She will be always loved and dearly missed by all.

Audrey will be remembered for her devotion to Vernon, her beloved husband of 71 years, for her deep and abiding dedication to her DAR and Austin Women's Club, her integrity, contagious happiness, humor and remarkable strength and endurance.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, sister Dorothy, and husband, Vernon. She is survived by her daughter Nancy S. Cobb, her husband Brian Cobb, and son John M. Scofield and wife, Holly; grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Andrew Johnson, his wife Mary and their son Jacob; Samuel Johnson and fiancé Amanda Johnson; Katherine J. Lackey and her husband Matt, and their son Charlie; Sydney S. Moore, her husband Kevin; Evan L. Scofield; and step-granddaughter Lisa M. Miller, and her husband Nicholas and their daughters Eliza, Genevieve and Adelaide. She is also survived by her lifelong friend and sister-in-law, Martha Scofield Rieger, her husband Bill and her niece Madalyn Cooke and her husband Walter and many beloved nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family wishes to thank Audrey's long-time, loving and devoted caregivers, Paseka, Inonge, David, Alex and Rose, along with the Hospice Austin team, all of whom helped comfort and care for her during her last remaining days.

Audrey's specific wishes were that no memorial service be held and in lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in her name to the charity of your choice.