Betty L. Austin

AUSTIN Betty Louise Pierce Austin passed away on April 2, 2010 following a valiant five year battle with cancer. Betty was born in Jacksonville on May 22, 1932, and graduated from Landon High School class of 1950. She attended Texas Christian University for one year, University of Alabama for two years, and earned a degree in Fine Arts from the University of Houston. She later earned a degree in Chemistry from Jacksonville University. Betty married James A. Austin III in 1954. She had lots of interests and a varied working career. Betty was a baton twirling and gymnastics instructor, did medical illustrations, was a Medical Technician working in several hospitals and doctors' offices, a Mortgage Broker, and owned her own Mortgage Servicing Company. She also had a Real Estate License and was a Building Contractor. She did all this while raising a loving family. Betty was a member of Mandarin Presbyterian Church. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, three children, James Ingram Austin, Douglas Blair Austin (Maria), and Julie Teresa Austin Base (John) as well as six grandchildren and one great-grandson, and a sister, Sylvia Pierce Reaves (Shelby) of Winter Park and their three sons and families. A memorial service officiated by The Reverend Kevin C. Pound, will be held in the Mandarin Chapel of Hardage-Giddens, on Wednesday, April 7, 2010 at 11am. There will not be a viewing. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mandarin Presbyterian Church, 11844 Mandarin Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32223, or to any charity of your choice. Arrangements under directions by Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home, 11801 San Jose Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 904-288-0025