Carol Elizabeth Coffman Ferguson

Carol Elizabeth Coffman Ferguson, age 77, died May 18, 2017 at Seton Medical Center in Austin, bravely battling ovarian cancer. A memorial service is scheduled for June 10, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. The service will be held in the First United Methodist Church, Austin, 1201 Lavaca Street, Austin, Texas 78701.

Carol was born July 17, 1940 to Richard L. Coffman and Elizabeth Porterfield Coffman. Richard Coffman served as Administrator for the Texas Employment & Commission (Texas Workforce).

After attending Casis Elementary and O'Henry Junior High, Carol graduated from Austin H.S.In 1958, where she was devoted to the tennis team. She continued her education at The University of Texas Austin with a degree in Plan II Liberal Arts. Later she earned an MA and PHD in History from SMU and TCU, respectively.

Most of her adult life was involved with education as a curriculum director and high school teacher in Dallas Public Schools Government and Law Magnet schools for 20 years. After retiring in 1997 she and Brenda spent 19 years traveling in an RV all over North America, an experience few people actually have.

Carol is survived by her partner and spouse, Brenda S. Prothro of Marshall, Texas. They experienced 45 wonderful years together. Also surviving her is her daughter, Dena Elizabeth Ferguson Jenkins; son-in-law René D Jenkins; grandsons Duncan and Lyon Jenkins; sister, Nancy Coffman Howell; nieces Laurie, Linda, and Kristen. Not least of all her beloved miniature schnauzer Halle.

Carol's life was busy and satisfying. In her 30's she discovered the wonderful pastime of Birding and devoted much of her life to finding, identifying, and enjoying birds around the world, thanks to the expertise of Field Guides of Austin. Aside from extensive travel in North America, she and Brenda enjoyed traveling and birding in Mexico, the Caribbean, Brazil, Ecuador, Uganda, and Europe. She and Brenda also volunteered for Colorado Parks and Wildlife making Colorado a second home.

She was a member of The American Birding Association, Texas Ornithology Society, and Travis Audubon Society. She was a member of Delta Delta Delta and belonged to First United Methodist Church of Austin.

Memorial contributions may be made to The American Birding Association or Travis Audubon Society.