Mildred Louise Austin

On July 25, 1927 in the family home on McCorry Street in Jackson, TN, Mildred Louise McCommon was born to Bailey and May Louise Arminio McCommon. In addition to her parents, she was welcomed into the world by her older brother William Bailey McCommon. With the birth of her younger sister, Evelyn Nell, the McCommon family was complete. After her family moved from McCorry Street to Boone Lane in the Madison Hall community of Madison County, she attended JB Young High School in Bemis and graduated as salutatorian of her senior class. She then attended West Tennessee Business School before becoming a PBX operator for the IC Railroad and later working for the Bemis Credit Union.

While both were attending JB Young High School she caught the eye of Joseph William Austin who became the love of her life. They married November 9, 1947 at Madison Baptist Church in Jackson, TN. They immediately moved to Green Cove Springs in Florida while he completed his commitment in the US Navy. Following his honorable discharge, they returned to Boone Lane in Jackson to live and begin their family. They remained in the same house for 72 years. Ecclesiastes says “For two are better than one” and that does indeed describe their marriage. Joe Billy will say “A wife of noble character is her husband’s crown.” because he found that true of his bride for 74 years. The crown he wore was divinely created before time began in the life of his wife, Mildred.

Joe Billy and Mildred were the pride and joy of their three children, Joe, Joan, and Freddie. “Children’s children are a crown to the aged.” Proverbs 17:6. This crown is beautifully crafted by her grandchildren Andrea (Lee) Winchester, Bethany (Barry) Cooper, Josh (Abbie) Allen, Rachel (Phillip) Humphreys, and Aaron (Michelle) Austin. She is also survived by her great- grandchildren Anna- Claire (Devin) McKnight; Carson Winchester, Reed Cooper; Edie, William, and Garland Allen, Addie Humphreys; and Waylon and Rhett Austin.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her son, James Frederick “Freddie” Austin; and brother, Willie McCommon.

She is survived by her loving husband; daughter Joan (Bobby) Allen; son Dr. Joe (Kathy) Austin; her grandchildren; her great- grandchildren; her sister Evelyn Butler, and several nieces and nephews.

The family will receive friends and loved ones on Friday, May 27, 2022 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. from the Sanctuary of Madison Baptist Church, 930 Steam Mill Ferry Rd., Jackson. The funeral service will follow at 1 p.m. at Madison Baptist Church.

Honorary pallbearers will be Lee Winchester, Barry Cooper, Josh Allen, Phillip Humphreys, Aaron Austin, Jeff Butler, Johnnie Butler, Blake Butler, Bubba McCommon, Will Warren, and Aaron Warren.

Private burial will be held.

Memorials may be made to the Bemis Historical Society, Christ Community Health Services, Madison Baptist Church, or the charity of your choice.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.GASmithandSonsFuneralHome.com for the Austin family.