Celeste Beatrice Stanton

Celeste Beatrice Stanton, 84, of Austin, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 29, 2026, surrounded by her family and loved ones. She was a cherished mother, sister, aunt, teacher, writer, and friend whose warmth, wisdom, and unwavering spirit will be deeply missed.

Celeste was born on June 29, 1942, in St. Louis, Missouri, the first of four children. From an early age, she was known for being mischievous, determined, exceptionally intelligent, and deeply compassionate toward others. Those qualities would define her throughout her remarkable life.

Shortly after graduating from high school, Celeste married and welcomed two daughters, Vanessa and Victoria. As the wife of a United States Air Force serviceman, she embraced a life of travel, raising her daughters while living in numerous places around the world. After many years supporting her family's military life, they settled in San Angelo, Texas, where Celeste began her own distinguished career with the State of Texas as a Child Support Enforcement Officer.

Education was one of Celeste's greatest passions. While working full-time for the State of Texas in Human Resources, she returned to college later in life and earned her bachelor's degree with highest honors. She was named valedictorian of her graduating class and delivered an inspiring commencement address to her fellow graduates, faculty, and guests. Never content to stop learning, she later earned a Master of Arts degree in Humanities while continuing to work full-time and traveling throughout Texas in her role with the Office of the Attorney General.

A lifelong scholar, Celeste was a published writer, devoted genealogist, and passionate educator who taught Black history and Native American history. During her extensive travels throughout the American Southwest, she developed a deep appreciation for Native American cultures and carefully assembled an extraordinary collection of juried Native American pottery, baskets, and artwork. She was a dedicated supporter of Native American organizations and charities and made meaningful contributions to numerous genealogy projects, helping preserve family histories for future generations.

Celeste is survived by her loving daughters, Victoria "Vicky" Lusby and Vanessa Lusby; her beloved grand-puppy, Blue Ivy Lusby; her sisters, Laura Emerson, and Pearletta Evans; her nephew, Bryson Emerson; and her niece, Cydney Evans. She was preceded in death by her brother, Eddie Jr. Malone.

Celeste's legacy of humor, perseverance, lifelong learning, and boundless curiosity will live on through everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Her remarkable life stands as a testament to the strength of an indomitable spirit, the pursuit of knowledge, and the enduring power of resilience, compassion, and love.

In accordance with her wishes, a portion of her ashes will be laid to rest alongside her beloved mother, Dorothy Malone, in St. Louis, Missouri. Additional portions of her ashes will be scattered in New Mexico and Alaska—two places that held a special place in her heart and reflected the adventurous spirit she carried throughout her life.

Though she has departed this world, Celeste's love, wisdom, laughter, and adventurous spirit will remain forever in the hearts of her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched.

A memorial service celebrating Celeste's life will be held at Buckner Villas Retirement Community in Austin, Texas, on a date to be announced.