Russell's favorite:   "What are you doing taking my picture before I get my makeup on?"

Dan Earheart    Spring Fling

 
 
 

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Russell & Colleen at the wedding reception of Lynn & Paul Barrett.

 A BEAUTIFUL PERSON

  I met Colleen at the Old Quarter a month before she died. I was
instantly taken by her charming nature. Then she sang,  after she finished I
could not praise and compliment her enough. Her voice was so incredibly
beautiful. I had known Bill Cade though Rex Bell for years, I never met his
daughter until that night. We bonded instantly and I felt as if I had known
her forever. We exchanged phone numbers  to go out music hopping one night
in the future. Later I told Rex how awesome Colleen was and I loved her
voice. I was in a great mood having meet and conversed with such a pleasant
new friend.
           Then the sad day, new years day. Rex sitting in his office
looking distressed. I asked what was wrong, figuring it was the sadness of
the Townes Wake. He said Bill Cade would not be here today, as he had been
for years, Colleen died in a tragic New Years Eve car accident.
Silence fell and I thought of Bill, her husband and family. What a tragic
loss to the world. I'm glad I met her and was her friend for that one night,
we connected briefly. Peace.

Jeanette"Jet"Whitt

Set at the Queen's Beach Party

At the Beach Party

Dave Howard

 

I had the good fortune of hearing Colleen and Bill sing at the Old Quarter reunion at Anderson Fair that Dale
Soffar put on.

What a voice and what a sweet lady!  I talked with her and Bill for a bit. Colleen was so sweet. I always hoped
to hear her lovely voice in person again.  This is such a tragic loss and my heart hurts for her family and friends.

My blessings are sent to her husband Russ, and to Bill and Lucille.

Thank you to all the people behind the Memorial service, she deserves a great party in her honor.

 LOVE   and   PEACE    to all

 Sharelle

My Friend, Colleen

I have spent the last week thinking about my friend, Colleen, as I am sure we all have.  I have been going over, in my mind, the short five years that I have known her.  As I was doing this exercise in reminiscence and tribute, I realized that it was a rich and exciting time to have shared with her.

I had the good fortune to experience the beginning of Colleenís singing career.  I got to be in her company the night that Russell proposed and gave her her ring.  I recall us all being thrilled and happy that Russell and Colleen chose to share their wedding night and honeymoon weekend with us at the Jarrardís Spring Fling celebration, and was so tickled to be included in a group of her long-time women friendsí who decided to give them a good, old-fashioned Chivaree.  What a hilarious good time that was.  I will cherish that experience in my memory book forever. And then, the crowning moment for her and her many friends and fans; and finally, after many setbacks, the release of the wonderful CD that she made with her Dad.

Colleen and I were delighted to discover that we had many things in common.  We both made our living by working as receptionists.  This alone provided material for many spirited and hilarious conversations.  We both believed ourselves to be beautiful and sexy plus sized women.  We shared fashion tips and shopping secrets.  And the most wonderful thing for me was her advice, and encouragement to me as an aspiring singer.

Colleen paid me a great compliment not too long ago.  She told me that she admired the relationship that I have with my husband, and that our marriage served as an inspiration to her.  She said she always hoped that her marriage to Russell would be as good and as loving as she observed mine to be.  I am so sorry and sad that she will never have the chance to find that out.

I will miss Colleen so much.  I will miss her sweetness and her sassiness.  I will miss her many kindnesses.  I will miss her beauty and humor.  And, oh my God, how we will miss that voice.

Goodbye, Colleen.  My friend.

Deborah Steinau

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