Linda, Our mother, grandmother and friend left this earth to rejoice in Heaven with Jesus and those she loves that went before her, on March 18, 2022 at 2:20 a.m. at the age of 81. She was beautiful inside and out.
Linda was born in Jackson, MS on February 23, 1941. She graduated from Ashland High School in 1959. Then graduated from North West Mississippi Jr College. She was voted most beautiful and homecoming court. She performed in plays, sang in chorus, and her musical talent playing the piano was well known. This is where she met her husband of 53 years. Her beautiful soprano voice earned her a full scholarship from Mississippi College, but she chose marriage and children instead. Over the years the family lived in Birmingham, AL, Louisiana, and then Germantown, Tn. She loved her church in Birmingham and was very active in choir, bell choir, and led the Children’s choir, and played piano.
Linda had many hobbies over the years. She was a fantastic southern cook. Her whole life she had to cook and clean and had much knowledge of working in the vegetable garden as a child. Her thanksgiving dressing was incredible. With her friendly , bubbly personality, she would strike up a conversation with strangers. She was always there for us, ALWAYS. Constantly giving of herself and her time. She would do anything for anybody, and never expected anything in return. She always put others first. She clung to her family and talked with us endlessly about interesting stories of her life. We will miss talking and texting with her several times a day. We could tell her anything. The values that she instilled in each of us is immeasurable. God graced her with much wisdom. Her favorite Bible verse was Psalms 23. She loved games and was a whiz at crossword puzzles.
Her three grandsons were the light of her life. She was theirs also. Her daughters and son in law were like her own children to her. Her kind sprit will live on in our hearts forever. Linda was preceded in death by her parents, and her husband William A. Austin, III (Bill). She leaves behind her three broken hearted children Scott Austin, Kim Brown (Jackie), and Mark Austin. Grandsons Chandler Brown, Cory Austin, and Brayden Austin. Her sisters Sandra Lee, Diane Swindle, and brother Wayne Smedberg. Nieces and nephews, whom she adored.
Family & friends will gather on Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 12:00 PM until 2:00 PM when funeral services begin all at Memphis Funeral Home at 5599 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN 38119. A committal service will follow at Memorial Park Southwoods Cemetery.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.MemphisFuneralPoplar.com for the Austin family.
