LaJuan Aust

Betty LaJuan Morton Aust passed away peacefully on October 4, 2025, at Germantown Methodist Hospital in Germantown, Tenn., surrounded of her family.

LaJuan "Wannie" was born August 28, 1939, in Booneville, to William Henry Morton and Betty Catherine Lee Morton. In the tradition of the Morton family, LaJuan enjoyed the world of birddogs and field trials.

She graduated from Booneville High School in 1957, where she was a majorette in the Blue Devil band. She excelled in her studies and made many lifelong friends. Her very best friend, Kay Sutherland Marshall's friendship has endured and flourished.

After graduation, she went to Mississippi College for Women, "The W", where she earned a Bachelor's Degree in elementary education. She taught 4th grade at Booneville Elementary for 8 years. Although her teaching career was short, her influence was far reaching.

In 1974, she began a new career, opening Men's Quarters, where she fit men in the latest styles for any occasion. She was amazingly still working, operating her business at the age of 86.

On June 30, 1961, LaJuan married the love of her life, Preston Hale Aust. Together they built a beautiful life welcoming two daughters, Jessica Lynn Aust Owings and Amanda Kay Aust. In later years, she became "Nana" to two grandsons, John Farris and Preston Owings who were her pride and joy.

She enjoyed spending time with family, especially her grandsons. She also enjoyed taking care of her flowers, cooking Christmas goodies from Mammie's recipes and watching all sports, especially her Ole Miss Rebels.The Aust home was a host to many family gatherings, including Thanksgiving for many years.

LaJuan was a dedicated Christian and faithfully attended the Booneville Church of Christ. Her loving, kind ways have been a blessing to many.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Hale; and her parents. She is survived by her daughters; her grandsons; her brother, Billy Morton; and sisters, Catherine Ann Guin (Robert), Sue Scott, and Carolyn Boren (Roy); and a host of nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held this Thursday, October 9th, at 2 p.m., following visitation beginning at 11 a.m., at Booneville Church of Christ. Burial will be in the Booneville Cemetery. Booneville Funeral Home will be in charge of all arrangements.