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Barbara Austin Obituary
Barbara was born on VE Day, May 8, 1945, in Anchorage, Alaska to Hazel Lindenstruth Trapp and Theodore Calvert Trapp. After her family moved to Memphis, TN, she attended Whitehaven High School ('63), followed by Vanderbilt University ('67), where she majored in Molecular Biology. She did graduate studies and managed the tissue culture laboratory at Tulane University, did neurological research at Emory University and Univ. of Arkansas Medical School in Little Rock, and taught computer science for many years at State Technical College in Memphis.
She married her best friend, Larry D. Austin, and lived in Germantown, TN before retiring to their sheep farm outside of Medon, TN. Known as "the fun mom", Barbara had a big, ready smile and a mischievous glint in her eye. She filled the house with laughter and the aromas of her wonderful cooking. She was a long-time member of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis.
Barbara leaves behind her husband, Larry, her son, Michael D. Austin (Tricia) of Atlanta, GA, her daughter, Nancy Austin Patterson of Clinton, MS, and her grandchildren, Dean Patterson, David Patterson, and Helen Austin, and her sister, Nancy Trapp Arnold (Neil) of Germantown, TN, three dogs, and a flock of chickens.
Funeral services will be on Friday, November 15, 2024, at 11:00 AM, at St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Jackson, TN, with visitation beginning at 10:30 AM, and on Saturday, November 16, 2024, at 1:00 PM for the burial at Larkspur Conservation in Westmoreland, TN.
In lieu of flowers, please send memorials to Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church in Memphis, TN or St. Nicholas Orthodox Church in Jackson, TN.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Barbara Austin
5 Entries
Sarah Laskaris
November 15, 2024
Alex and I have fond memories of Barbara from our years at Annunciation in Memphis. She always had a beautiful smile and showed interest in our family and how we were. Our condolences to all the family.
Fox family
November 14, 2024
Our family will miss Barbara. She always had a smile on her face and was on of the nicest people that we ever knew. We went to church with her years ago in Memphis. Thoughts and prayers to your family.
Camellia Koleyni
November 14, 2024
Dear Mr. Austin, Nancy, Michael, and family--I am deeply saddened for your loss. As you know, I enjoyed so many opportunities to be at your home and to witness the joy and laughter Mrs. Austin so easily shared. Please know that I am keeping all of you in my heart and thoughts. Sending you much love and warmth. Camellia
Fotini
November 13, 2024
Every Holy Friday, since our first one at Annunciation, I have thought of you. It was such a pleasant surprise to meet you once again on Holy Friday at St Nicholas. It will always be our day to visit. Love you much dear friend.
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Beverly Walker
November 13, 2024
Barbara was my son Donnie´s "second Mom". She was generous enough to let him stay with their family often while he went to college at the UN of Memphis. He always spoke lovingly of her, and now she´s getting a hug from him on the other side. <3
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