Mary Austin
Godfrey |
Mary Louise Austin, 75, passed away on April 6, 2024, at 6:31 a.m. at Anderson Hospital, Maryville with her family by her side.Mary Louise (Balcom) was born in Godfrey, Illinois to the late Harry L. and Clara B. (Adams) Balcom on February 12, 1948. She spent her lifetime in the Alton/Godfrey area, where she grew up and met her future husband and the father of her children, Everett L. "Sonnie" Austin Jr. (1943 -1999). They were married June 27th, 1966 in Alton, to this union three children were born, who survive her. Daughter, Holly Wright of Cottage Hills and sons; Allen Austin of Alton, Justin (Rose Brown) Austin of Cottage Hills.
Mary was a homemaker before joining the workforce as housekeeper for several local families and becoming a hostess for a local business. She loved her daytime TV shows and word searches and a cold glass of Pepsi. She loved spending time with her children and grandchildren and great grandchildren, who she adored immensely. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Drelyn Wright, Justin (Angel) Rudd-Austin, BobbyJo Rudd-Austin (Zack) and Jaxon Rudd-Austin and Bradley (Sara) Wright, Tiffanie (Wright) Perrine and Charles B. Wright, III and Katlyn Brown and nurse Adam. Great grandchildren; Jamison and Grayson and Paxton, Emmaleigh, Breah, Bradley Jr. and Aria Wright. She is also survived by two siblings: Lloyd Balcom and Freda (Balcom) Horton, sister-in-law Jean Vanmeter and cousins Dorothy Waters, Robert (Lisa) Varney and Patty (John) Newingham and a host of family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, siblings, Billy Balcom, Myrtle Fish, Harry Balcom Jr. and a baby sister Dorothy Georgette and Grandson Charles Michael Rudd-Austin and companion Joseph Steele of twenty plus years. A visitation will be held from 9:00-11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Gent Funeral Home in Alton followed by graveside services at Upper Alton Cemetery. Reverend Sonny Renken will officiate. Online guestbook and information may be found at www.gentfuneralhome.com
Gent Funeral Home
