Sterling Cave Abbott's Obituary
Sterling (Eilene) Cave Abbott died on August 23, 2019, days after the start of second grade for her son, Rhodes. She was 41. She ended life much as she lived it: driven, goal-focused, Heaven bound, and devoted to her family and friends. She approached life with vigor and sought excellence and beauty in all things she did, whether it was designing her home, creating a Halloween costume or playing a game with her family.Born in Big Spring, Texas on Halloween in 1977, her family later moved to Snyder for her to start 6th grade. Sterling was the third of four children. She was an outgoing member of her family, who considered her the “family greeter.” Sterling played the piano and sang in the high school choir. She excelled in athletics, earning all district in volleyball. Sterling was an outstanding student. She was the valedictorian of her Snyder High School class, earned a presidential scholarship and ultimately won her colleges most prestigious academic and service awards.Sterling attended Abilene Christian University, graduating Summa Cum Laude in 2000 with a BA degree in accounting. She soon moved to Dallas and worked first for PricewaterhouseCoopers and later an investment firm called HBK. Forever the humble, high achiever, her career climbed swiftly.Through mutual friends, Sterling met Chris Abbott and the two married in August, 2005. Intellectual equals, travel companions, deeply connected, devoted to Christ and an exceptional balance of each other, Sterling and Chris were a beautiful team. During a 3 year adventure, living in Laguna Beach, California, they welcomed Rhodes Keller Abbott to the world in January 2012. He completed the Abbott trio perfectly.Sterling had a strong Christian faith and was devoted to the Lord, reading the Bible daily. Her service involved evangelism and helping others walk more deeply with God. She discipled children and adults, leading Bible studies, mentoring a youth group for over 10 years and guiding several young married groups at church.Sterling was also a devoted friend. She kept up with people from all stages of her life. An excellent gift-giver and note writer, she never came to visit a friend empty handed. She was a warm host and found great joy in bringing together the people she loved. Throughout her illness, one of the blessings that came was the friendships her friends gained in each other.Sterling was a life-long student, evidenced by the ever-changing stack of books by her bed. She loved to learn about new things, whether it was history, new cultures, cooking or sports. She also loved beautiful things: artwork, rugs, paper, antiques, and unique finds from the fields of Round Top Antique Festival. Vintage store owners in Dallas knew her by name, as did many of the Round Top vendors. She curated a beautiful home through these adventures but never at the expense of what was important to her: people.When cancer made its ugly appearance nearly seven years ago, Sterling started a blog. In her first entry, she said: “We love Jesus, we desire to live our life to glorify Him, and we love you and want you to do the same. Being reminded that you are not promised tomorrow brings instant clarity regarding what is important. So often, I fail to speak to the important stuff because I am more afraid of offending or being judged than I am concerned for others. This trial gives us countless opportunities to live differently.” And she did.Survived by her husband, Christopher Abbott and her 7-year-old son, Rhodes, of Dallas. She is also survived by her parents, James R. and Lois Cave and her siblings, Robin Dulaney and her husband John, and their son Duke; Matthew Cave and his wife Becky and children Emmerson, Miller, and Brooks, and Mark Cave and children, Foster and Reese. Paternal grandparents are the late James and Eilene Cave of Roby. Maternal grandparents are the late Foster S and Flo Price of Sterling City. Several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews also survive Sterling.A visitation and memorial service will be held as follows:August 28th – A visitation service will be held at Providence Christian School from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. in the Great Hall.Providence Christian School 5002 W Lovers Ln, Dallas, TX 75209August 29th – A celebration of life will be held at Watermark Community Church at 11:00 a.m. with a reception to follow.Watermark Community Church: 7540 Lyndon B. Johnson Freeway, Dallas, TX 75251Funeral arrangements for Mrs. Sterling Cave Abbott have been faithfully entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Cemetery, which is located at 13005 Greenville Avenue, at the intersection of Restland Road and Greenville Avenue, Dallas, Texas 75243, and can be reached at (972)238-7111.
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