Grace Penegar Austin

Mrs. Austin, 100, of Charlotte, died Tuesday, August 13, 2013 at home surrounded by her loving family and friends. She was born on April 26, 1913 in Union County, NC and was the daughter of the late Henry Oscar Penegar and Lula Ann Carpenter Penegar.

She was one of 13 children in which there were 4 sets of twins. Mrs. Austin’s mother died early in her life and, along with her Dad was raised by a wonderful Step-Mother, Sudie Keziah Penegar. She attended Union County schools.

Grace was married to the late Marvin Austin. They owned and operated Roney’s Grill in downtown Charlotte. Prior to that she worked at the East Mecklenburg High School cafeteria. She loved flower gardening and was a fabulous cook. She particularly loved to help her grandson Andy with gardening ideas as well as cook pies and cakes for him.

Mrs. Austin was a long time member of Tabernacle Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church as well as its successor churches, Craig Avenue Tabernacle and King’s Cross Presbyterian Church. She was as member of Circle #1.

She was a wonderful Mother, Grandmother, Mother-in-Law, Sister, Aunt and Friend. She deeply loved her family, and when you met her, it had a lasting impact. She enjoyed the simple things in life, including watching the birds through her window as her health declined.

Survivors include daughters Peggy Rowe (husband John) and Betty Threatt, and grandson Andy Rowe (girlfriend Claire), all of Charlotte. Also surviving her are numerous cousins, nephews, and nieces.

In addition to her parents and step mother, the 12 siblings that predecease her are as follows: brothers: Bunyan, Jesse, Paul, Luther, Howard, Watt, Wade, and Frank. sisters: Mary Rape, Lessie Aycoth, Frances McCorkle, and Gladys (Grace’s twin). Also predeceasing her was son-in-law, Bobby Threatt.

She had two special caregiver friends that she took as family: Paul Goad and Benny Fesperman. Another great phone buddy was Mrs. Janet Dawson.

The funeral service will be 2:00 pm, Friday August 16, 2013 at King’s Cross Presbyterian Church with Pastors Dr. John E. Hill and the Reverend Bob Owens officiating. Visitation will be from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm on Thursday August 15, 2013 at Wilson Funeral and Cremation Service, 5301 Albemarle Rd., Charlotte, NC.

Memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Novant Hospice & Palliative Care, PO Box 33529, Charlotte, 28233 or King’s Cross Presbyterian Church, 3936 Craig Ave., Charlotte, NC 28211.

The family would like to thank Dr. James Boyd for many years of quality, faithful and compassionate care.

Online condolences may be made at www.wilsonfuneralservices.com.