
   I graduated from Austin High School in 1960--was a Pinkie and then a Red Dragon until graduating--I enjoyed theater and technical work connected with it but never acted.  I started out with Margaret Breedlove and ended with (then) Gloria Cole.  Many years have passed, but I still can sing the Red Dragon song.  Your relative (mother etc.) led a charmed (and charming), active, and giving life.  I am sorry that she has died but will remember her fondly--and her family will be remembered in my prayers.  In contradiction to the Red Dragon song, she will not "Pass and be forgotten with the rest."  We  will remember her.  Sorry to be so late sending this, but only learned about this today--from an email message.



Mrs. Windrum's daughter, Jill, was one of my very best friends growing up. I spent countless hours at their house at drama lessons, sleepovers, holidays, and parties. Mrs. Windrum was a dynamic, energetic, sweet and very unique person and I am grateful that she was part of my wonderful childhood memories. She always made me feel like part of the family. 

Debbie (Lin) Whalen 



I was lucky enough to be in one of Mrs. Windrum's last classes, graduating in 1993 from Pflugerville High School.  She and Mr. Bill will always be special to me.  She for her passionate teaching, he for his devotion to her.  Especially now, I can't figure how she came up with all that energy!  I remember, it seemed, every weekend taking us kids somewhere.  We were so lucky to have her!  Mr. Bill was there so often - watching over her and through her, over all of us.  It was like having a whole other family.

I'll never forget, one of our first classes.  Introducing yourself.  How to remember her name?  "wind" and "rum".  Windrum.



  Miss Cole was responsible for many of my very best memories 
of Austin High School !  Because of her talent as the director of 
Red Dragons, I majored in drama at the University of Texas with
a teaching certificate. She not only had great theatre production 
skills, but she passed on  a love for theatre in her students. I
 kept in touch with her for a long time after graduating.  She 
was an inspiration to me in many ways, not only as an 
outstanding teacher and director, but as a person  with
 impeccable integrity and  high values.  There are few that have
made such a positive impact on my life.




I am the theatre director of the Red Dragon Players at Stephen F. Austin High School.  I never had the pleasure of knowing -- or even meeting -- "Ms. Cole", but I want her family to know that the Red Dragon family is grateful for her dedication and fine work.  I often remind my students that they stand on the shoulders of the giants who've gone before them.  Our tradition of excellence belongs to everyone -- ESPECIALLY those who helped create it!  

All Red Dragons -- present, past and future -- share your grief.  You have our deepest sympathies.



Those of us who worked with Miss Cole in the Red Dragon Players in the late 1950s and early '60s will always treasure those days and associated memories.  Along with her enthusiasm, good role-modeling, and friendship, Miss Cole should also be remembered as an imaginative, original, and talented director.  Her costumes, make-up, and sets were special and just as inspirational as her gentle but firm training and coaching of student crew and cast members.  Thanks, Miss Cole.



As a member of the Red Dragon Players at AHS I was a big fan of Miss Cole (as I knew her).  She was an inspiration to me and had a lot to do with the fact that I went on to major in drama at UT.  My sympathies to her family.



I was a student at Austin High during Gloria's first two years there.  I remember particularly her production of THE IMPORTANCE OF BEING ERNEST in which i performed.  Her encouragement set me on a path of actors and acting for the rest of my life.  God bless her.



Jill,

What a beautifully written memorial for your mother.  I know I only know her through seeing the wonderful work she did in raising you.  However, I can certainly see that she was such a rock and foundation for her family.  I'm so sorry for your loss, but am happy that you'll see her again one day.  She's probably dancing a jig just now. :)  
Love you much,
Laura




My husband John and I met while members of the Red Dragon Players at Austin High School.  He was in the class of 1959 and was President of the organization. I was the Secretary and in the class of 1960.  Both of us were extremely active in theater and Gloria was our young, dynamic director.  All of us were so fond of her. After graduation, we visited AHS to see her occasionally and I later saw her at a variety of community events.  I remember when she married and the birth of her first child.  She was a wonderful teacher and theater director and absolutely adored her family.  We were privileged to have her in our lives.
We send our sincere condolences.
Alice Marshall Davis



Brilliant and beautiful lady who, no doubt, took great pride in her gorgeous daughters, their husbands, and her talented and gifted grandchildren.



I have been in touch, for genealogy reasons, with Bill Windrum in the past, and have a fairly complete genealogy of your family, should you wish to consult it. Meta and I share our sympathy for your mother's passing.
Meta and Ralph Wyndrum


OBITUARY

Gloria Cole Windrum

December 13, 1926 – March 2, 2012

Weed Corley Fish Funeral Homes and Cremation Services

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