Marian Louise Austin

Marian Louise (Johnson) Austin of Waldron, Arkansas, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Thursday, April 30, 2015, in Waldron, Arkansas. She was surrounded by loving family and friends. Marian was born to Oscar William Johnson and Freda (Grammer) Johnson on January 27, 1924, in Wilburton, Oklahoma. Marian faithfully attended the Waldron First Baptist Church, participated in a number of Beth Moore Women's Bible Studies in Ft. Smith, Arkansas, and led Bible studies locally. She was an inspiration to everyone with her calm demeanor and positive can-do attitude, even in the face of adversity. She was always ready and willing to help others and was unfailingly generous with encouragement and praise.

Marian moved to Waldron after the death of her father when she was 11 years old and thereafter was responsible for helping her mother with the care of her four younger siblings. In 1942, Marian graduated from Waldron High School, where she excelled in academics and was elected Homecoming Queen. Shortly after graduation, Marian married her high school sweetheart, Joe Bob Austin. He lovingly called her "Blackie" because of her raven black hair (even after her hair turned a beautiful silvery white). Together they raised three children and delighted in being grandparents. While her children were still at home, Marian worked in the Scott County Revenue Office. When her youngest child left home to go to college, so did Marian. She graduated from Arkansas Tech in 1972, with a degree in elementary education and library science. She put her degree to work immediately and began teaching 6th grade; three years later she became the Waldron High School librarian. Marian was a woman of many talents and hobbies. She enjoyed activities such as hiking, picnicking, camping and fishing, as well as travelling extensively in the States and abroad. She also enjoyed sewing, quilting and volunteering at the nursing home and at the Scott County Library. She was a longtime member of the Scott County Extension Homemakers and the Waldron Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star and served one term as President of the Arkansas Quilters Guild.

Marian enjoyed her life and treasured the people who were in it. She was preceded in death by the love of her life, Joe Bob Austin; one daughter, Lynn (Austin) Marshall; one son, Mike Austin; her parents, Oscar and Freda Johnson; and one sibling, Lurley Green. Marian is survived by one son, Robert (aka "Spud") Austin and wife, Rita of Mt. Ida, Arkansas, and one daughter-in-law, Donna Sue Austin of Longview, Texas; six grandchildren: Sarah (Marshall) Schmidt, Melissa (Austin-Wright) Markey, Carlie (Austin) Hall, Shane Austin, Donna (Austin) Santo, and Daniel Austin; ten great-grandchildren; and three siblings: Freda Flatt of Oklahoma, Dorothy Moline of Texas and "Corky" Johnson of Oklahoma."Mim", as she was affectionately called by her grandchildren and many nieces and nephews, will be missed by everyone whose life she touched.

Visitation will be Thursday, May 7, 2015, from 9:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home in Waldron, Arkansas, followed at 1:00 p.m. by Marian's life celebration at the Heritage Memorial Funeral Home Chapel, with Cindy Franklin officiating. Interment will follow in the Duncan Cemetery in Waldron, Arkansas.

Pallbearers will be Daniel Austin, Shane Austin, Austin Schmidt, Westy Bernhardt, Josh Franklin and Thomas Franklin. Honorary pallbearers will be John McCraw, Dick Huie and Roy Franklin.
Arrangements are being entrusted to the Heritage Memorial Funeral in Waldron, Arkansas.

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