Gloria Jean Austin

Gloria "Jean" Cowden Austin, age 72, of Mt. Airy, died Saturday, January 21, 2017 at her home. She was born February 4, 1944 in Washington, D.C., the daughter of the late Robert E. Cowden, Sr., and the late Mary Olive Cowden (nee Brockinton). She was the beloved wife of the late William F. (Bill) Austin, Jr. of 48 years. She graduated from Stranahan High School in Ft. Lauderdale, FL. Upon returning to Maryland in 1963, she went to work for MetLife Insurance Company where she met her husband, married and retired in 2002. She enjoyed her job and the friends that remain friends today. She was a member of the Taylorsville U.M. Church in Taylorsville, MD. Surviving are daughter Sherri Austin Beachley and husband Darren of Point Of Rocks, MD., son William "Billy" Austin III and wife Dana of Myersville, MD; five amazing grandsons, Bryan Austin Beachley, Brice Beachley, Connor, Brady, and Kai Austin; and one beautiful granddaughter Becca Beachley; She was the devoted sister of Mary Lee Burgess, JoAnn Edmonds, brother Bobby Cowden, and numerous (nieces and nephews: Jimmy, Jennifer, Rusty, Drew, Kevin, Karen, Buzz and Lisa). Family was the most important thing in her life. She volunteered at her grandchildren's elementary school as a "Grandma" which she cherished. Jean enjoyed traveling, eating out, following her grandchildren in their sports and activities and time with her family and friends. A Memorial Service will be held at Taylorsville U.M. Church, 4356 Ridge Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 on Friday, January 27, 2017 at 11:00 AM with Rev. Sherri Comer-Cox officiating. Inurnment will be at Parklawn Memorial Park in Rockville, MD. After committal service, the family will be receiving friends at 5190 Perry Road, Mt. Airy, MD 21771 from 4:00-6:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to JDRF; http://www.jdrf.org. Arrangements made by: Burrier-Queen Funeral Home & Crematory, PA.