Clarissa Luster

Clarissa Luster (Smith) was born on April 7, 1954, at 11:18 a.m. at St. Mary’s Infirmary in St. Louis, Missouri, to Ida B. Smith (Hutchins) and Albert P. Smith, both of whom preceded her in death. The sixth of ten children, Clarissa grew up surrounded by family. She was fun-loving and outgoing, never afraid to speak her mind. A free spirit who loved life, she cherished her family and, above all, her Heavenly Father, YAHVAH YAHSHUA.

Clarissa gave her life to God at a young age. After her marriage, she moved to Texas with her two young children, seeking a better life for them. Once in Austin, she gave her life to YAHSHUA and began a new way of life for herself and her children.

A true jack-of-all-trades, Clarissa wore many hats and was always ready to try something new. In 1992, she began her entrepreneurial journey by opening “Crumb Snatchers,” an in-home child-care center in her garage off Parkfield. In 1994 as the business grew, she opened the licensed Advantage Preparatory School off MLK and Chicon in East Austin. She later opened another child-care center off Poquito Street and Manor Road, where she established APS Charter School and APS Infant and Toddler House.

Clarissa loved to cook and share the knowledge of God. She brought those passions together by opening her own gospel soul-food restaurant, Kum-By-YAH. She also enjoyed flipping houses with her then-business partner and friend, Mr. J. England. Clarissa loved to travel and would gather her grandchildren for trips whenever she could.

A generous and nurturing woman, Clarissa devoted herself to caring for others. After retiring from her businesses, she became a personal caregiver. She understood that her earthly journey would one day end and prepared her family for that day. On Monday, October 12, 2026, Clarissa was surrounded by family and received calls and prayers from family and friends until her going home.

Clarissa leaves to cherish her memory her two children, Camille Luster and Dalon Luster, and her five grandchildren, who were her pride and joy: Brajion Luster, Eryn Luster, Kiaire Luster, Jasyah Porter, and Azaryah Porter. She is also mourned by her siblings Grayson, Benita, Byington, and Daphne. Her siblings Gilda, Laura, Coby, Stanley, and Eugenia preceded her in death. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.

The family of Clarissa Luster sincerely appreciates the prayers, calls, text messages, visits, tokens of love, and other expressions of sympathy extended during this time of bereavement. Your kindness and thoughtfulness have helped immeasurably in lightening the family’s burden of sadness. Please know that your support will always be remembered with gratitude. May God bless each and every one of you.