Christine Elizabeth Austin Clutter

Christine Elizabeth Austin Clutter, age 89, of Athens, Georgia, passed away on Saturday, November 18, 2023. Christine (“Chris”) was born in Marion, Ohio, to June and Paul Austin. She grew up in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with her parents, her older brother, Paul, and her younger sister and best friend, Carolyn (“Crin”). Chris attended Penn State University and completed her Bachelor of Science at Michigan State University after she married the great love of her life, Jerome (“Jerry”) Clutter.

Chris and Jerry settled in Athens, Georgia, where they raised their three children, Carolyn, Michael (“Mike”), and Nancy. The Clutter family lived on a street in Forest Heights with many children, dogs, ball games, dinner bells, after-school snacks, and block parties, all wrapped up in noisy mayhem and neighborly helping hands.

Chris was an avid home decorator, seamstress, and knitter of intricate patterns. In addition to sewing most of her daughters’ clothes, Chris made tiny dresses and knitted sweaters for her granddaughters’ American Girl dolls. She devoted many happy hours to her gardens, and she loved the view from her kitchen window, discovering daily joy in the blossoms and birds and scurrying creatures. Chris cherished her house, which became a second home to those who spent extra time there watching football games, doing laundry, studying for exams, and enjoying meals.

Chris was a passionate supporter of her public library. She loved to read and listen to audio-books. She spent many years walking through the neighborhood with her dear friend Henrietta. Even as her Alzheimer’s progressed, Chris continued to walk daily with her long-time caregiver and friend, Judith, as well as the staff of her memory care home. She enjoyed keeping her hands busy and appreciated whimsy, practicality, and beauty. Most of all, Chris loved her family and delighted in her seven grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, June and Paul Austin, Chris is predeceased by her husband, Jerry Clutter; her brother, Paul Austin; and her son, Mike Clutter. She is survived by her sister, Crin Austin Coull (Jim) and family; her sister-in-law Betty Ann Austin (Paul) and family; her daughter Nancy Clutter McNair (Robert) and children James and Parker; her daughter-in-law Catherine Nemetz Clutter (Mike) and children Matthew, Emily, and Margaret; and her daughter Carolyn Clutter Ball and children Thomas and Charlotte. She will continue to be celebrated in the memories, traditions, and daily actions she helped to shape.

In lieu of flowers, please direct donations to The Dr. Michael L. Clutter Fellowship, University of Georgia Warnell School of Forestry and Natural Resources, attention: Bridget Harden (bharden@uga.edu).

Bernstein Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.