Charlotte Lou Firestone

She was born in Pueblo, CO, on March 24, 1938. Charlotte grew up and attended public schools in Brownsville, TX and was an Honor graduate from Brownsville High School in 1956. While attending the University of Texas at Austin, she met and married Jack Berwick Birdwell. They resided in San Marcos, TX and then Austin where they raised their two sons and were married for 43 years when Jack passed away in July 2000. Charlotte and Kenneth (Ken) T. Firestone were married in 2002 and enjoyed 22 years together, building their own airplane, flying, camping, traveling, and seeing the world together.

Charlotte graduated from the University of Texas in 1966 with a BA degree in Elementary Education and was a recognized educator in the Austin Independent School District for nearly 30 years. She taught at Brentwood and Pecan Springs Elementary Schools and after returning to UT to obtain her Library of Science Certification, she was the beloved and respected librarian at Becker Elementary School for nearly 20 years. The Becker Library was subsequently named in honor of her for her love of reading and the indelible impression she made on the children she taught. Charlotte was a part of many fun groups including a Texas Employment Commission bowling league with Jack, The SOBs (Society of Bibliotechs), Bunco girls, and a very devoted volunteer with The Settlement Home of Austin. Charlotte also was a member and the librarian at St. Luke’s on the Lake Episcopal Church for many years.

Charlotte’s joy of her life was her family. She loved fiercely, and devoted her whole heart to her husband, children, grandchildren, and great grandson! She was a kind-hearted, beautiful and generous woman who saw the good in everyone and lived each day in a positive and kind way. She and Ken moved to Maravilla at the Domain last July, where she endeared herself quickly to her caregivers. The family would like to thank those who cared for her in Assisted Living at Maravilla, and the expert care received by Suncrest Home Health and Hospice in Austin.

She was the daughter of the late Hearn and Marion Parker of Colorado Springs, CO., and was predeceased by her late husband Jack B. Birdwell, her sister-In-law Linda Birdwell and grandson Brandon Chrisan.

She is survived by her loving husband Kenneth T. Firestone of Austin, TX, brother Ronald Parker and wife Beth of Fairfax, VA; children Bob Birdwell and wife Robin of Virginia Beach, VA, Steve Birdwell of Round Rock, TX, and step-daughter Krysti Smith and husband Andrew of Bradenton, FL; Grandchildren, Adam Birdwell and wife Cristina of Chesapeake, VA, Blake Birdwell and girlfriend Taylor Haynes of Austin, TX, Walker Smith and Grace Smith of Bradenton, FL; Great Grandson, Easton Parker Birdwell and Easton’s little brother arriving in October of Chesapeake, VA; her sister-in-law Gail Barnes of Austin, TX, brother-in-law Clark Firestone of Austin, and Tom and Marita Goyette of Georgetown; Robin’s parents, Luther and Mary Ann Parker of Austin; and several nieces and nephews, numerous extended family members and all the children she taught during her impressive teaching career in Austin.

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind in this world, which is what Charlotte would have done, like reading to a child, giving a book to a child, or volunteering to help those less fortunate than ourselves.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, June 28, 2024 at 11AM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home on North Lamar in Austin. Interment will follow at Austin Memorial Park. Services will be livestreamed, please follow the link. https://vimeo.com/event/4413042

In lieu of flowers, please do something kind in this world, which is what Charlotte would have done, like reading to a child, giving a book to a child, or volunteering to help those less fortunate than ourselves.