Audrey Lanelle (Harris) Phagans

Audrey Lanelle Harris-Phagans was born on March 17, 1955, in Austin, TX, Travis County to parents Levi and Alma Harris.

She professed her faith in Christ in 1971 and was baptized at Mt. Olive Baptist Church in Fort Worth, TX. Audrey united with Pilgrim Rest Primitive Baptist Church under the leadership of Elder J.M Miles until his passing. Audrey served in many capacities at Pilgrim Rest, but her passion was being the Youth Director and served as a Bible School teacher. She was an active member in church until her health declined.

Audrey traveled extensively with her military parent, Lorenza Oden and Alma Oden, where she attended several elementary, junior high and high schools. She attended elementary school in Arkansas and California where she was a Girl Scout, Camp Fire Girl and Debutante. She attended junior high in Fort Worth and Austin, TX. Audrey was the first Ms. Black Allan for Allan Middle School in Texas. She received many certificates in typing and exceled in academics such as English, Reading and History. Audrey attended Peru Central High School in Peru, New York. During her high school years Audrey enjoyed home economics, sewing, cooking, decorating, and making flower arrangements. She could sew a dress in one day. Audrey was also a majorette in high school. While in high school she took college courses at Albany University in New, York. She graduated high school early at the top of her class in 1973. Audrey later became a Default Prevention Specialist at Huston-Tillotson College (University), where she remained dedicated to her work in assisting college students with receiving Pell grants and scholarships to minimize defaulting on student loans.

Audrey was joined in Holy Matrimony to Danny Phagans in Plattsburg, New York on June 30, 1973. To this union three children were born: Danny Ray Phagans, Jr., Aaron Michael Phagans, and Stacy Danielle Phagans.

Audrey enjoyed getting pedicures, manicures and getting her hair done. Audrey loved collecting every single shower gel, body scrub, lotion, body spray, room spray, and candle from Bath and Body Works. She loved shopping for art, clothes and picking out outfits for her daughter Stacy and grandson Keyje. She enjoyed watching movies, watching “her shows”, playing seek and find games on her “tablet”, doing puzzles and listening to old school music. Audrey enjoyed going out to eat with friends and trying new restaurants and foods with daughter Stacy. Audrey stayed full of joy, laughter, and enjoyed making others laugh. Audrey always put others first and remained selfless to the end. She always looked out for others and wanted the best for everyone. Audrey did not like confrontation but had a way to be firm when needed. Audrey is a people person and social butterfly who never met a stranger. Every person to her was just a friend she’d known for years. Audrey always saw the good in others and showed love to everyone. Audrey will always be known for being pillars of strength and resilience, her famous warm hugs, and spreading God’s love and inspiring those around her. She took pride in her children and always wanted them to be successful.

Audrey Lanelle Phagans, age 68, departed this life on Thursday, November 9, 2023, surrounded by family. 

Audrey is preceded in death by her father, Levi Harris, Father in Love who raised her Lorenza Oden, stepfather Johnnie Powell, sister Deborah Kennedy, aunt Patricia McKinney, great aunts, Faye Mitchell, Helen and Jewel Taylor, Ora Lee Nobles, Joyce Perkins, Ardie McFord, great uncles Roger Taylor Sr., Spencer Nobles Jr.

Audrey is survived by her Mother, Alma Oden of Austin; Former Husband, Danny Phagans of Austin; Son, Danny Phagans of Austin; Son, Aaron Phagans (Shymetra) of Austin; Daughter, Stacy Phagans of Austin. She also leaves to cherish her legacy Grandchildren: Keyje Phagans, Anthony Phagans, Chaunice Phagans, Tayion Phagans, Nevaeh Phagans, Day’Veon Phagans, Arion Phagans, Cei’anna Phagans, Aaron’s bonus children, Keira Neal and Melvin McPherson; and Niece, LaRhonda Kennedy.

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