Betty Austin

Betty Austin, 84, of Mt. Vernon, passed away at 2:10 a.m., Wednesday, September 8, 2021, at Mt. Vernon Healthcare Center. She was born at home in Hanes Township on August 27, 1937, the daughter of Elza Elmer and Mary Edith (Burge) Byars, On July 23, 1955, at her parent's home, she married Lavern Austin, and he survives. She attended Charter Oak School, Kell Grade School, and graduated from Salem High School. Betty worked alongside her husband Lavern as co-owner of Austin's Restaurant. She was a faithful member of Panther Fork Baptist Church, where she served as pianist for many years, and also taught Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. In addition to her husband, Lavern Austin, she is survived by two children, Steven Austin and wife Holly of Mt. Vernon, and Sondra Caldwell and husband Mark of Texico; five grandchildren, Jana Mullinax and husband Rodney of Mt. Vernon, Marci Sherwin and husband Dean of Texico, Adam Caldwell and wife Erin of Terre Haute, Indiana, Kane Austin and wife Ashley of Inman, Kansas, and Adrian Austin and friend Quest Newberry of Brenham, Texas; seven great-grandchildren, Quinton Mullinax, Alexia Sherwin, Elias Mullinax, Walker Sherwin, Violet Caldwell, Milo Caldwell, and Asher Caldwell; one brother, Edgar Byars of Texico; one sister-in-law, Sheila Byars; and one brother-in-law, Chalon Austin and wife Effie Mae of Mt. Vernon. Betty was preceded in death by her parents; one brother, Henry Byars; sisters-in-law, Janet Byars, Velma Ullery, and Patricia Connaway; and brothers-in-law, Bert Austin, Waymon Austin, and Marvie Austin. Funeral services for Mrs. Austin will be held at 10:00 a.m. Wednesday, September 15, 2021, at Panther Fork Baptist Church, with Rev. John Ashby officiating. Burial will follow at Panther Fork Cemetery. Visitation will be held Tuesday, September 14, 2021, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., at the Osborn Funeral Home in Dix. Memorial gifts may be made to the Panther Fork Cemetery, and will be accepted at the service, or by mail to the Osborn Funeral Home, P.O. Box 130, Dix, Illinois 62830. Online condolences may be made at www.osbornfuneral.com, or on the Osborn Funeral Home Facebook page.

Betty Austin

August 27, 1937 - September 8, 2021