Marietta Dillon Austin

After 100 plus wonderful years on this earth, Marietta Dillon Austin went to her heavenly home on July 8, 2023. Marietta was born in Selmer, Tennessee on September 26, 922 to S. B. and Vallie McIntire Dillon. She grew up in the nearby town of Jackson, Tennessee. While attending Lambuth College in Jackson, she met and married her life-long love William Robert "Bob" Austin Sr. After Bob finished dental school in Memphis, they moved to Huntsville, Alabama where they made their home. Family was very important to Marietta and Bob and they shared four children: Suzanne Austin Frederickson (Ed), Clayton, GA; William Robert "Bill" Austin Jr, Waynesville, NC; Linda Austin Cleckler (Jeff), Birmingham, AL; and James Michael "Mickey" Dillon (Linda), Nashville, TN.

Education was also important to Marietta. She received her Masters of Education degree from The University of Alabama in Huntsville and became a dedicated American history teacher at Butler High School in Huntsville. Throughout her career she inspired countless student with her enthusiasm, knowledge, and love for the subject. In addition to teaching, Marietta also enjoyed reading, playing bridge with friends, and her daily 3-5 mile walks. After retiring from teaching, Marietta made sure her days were filled with activities she enjoyed and contributed to the community. An ardent lover of nature and history, she became a member of the Huntsville Botanical Garden and the Huntsville Historical Society. Marietta was also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Huntsville where she directed weddings, bringing her warmth and organizational skills to help couples celebrate their special day. Additionally, every Sunday saw Marietta working in the church bookstore - an activity that fulfilled her spiritually while fostering connections with her faith community. Marietta spent her last years at Haywood Lodge in Waynesville, North Carolina where she was known to everyone and loved by all. She received constant hugs and kisses from staff and visitors alike. At her passing, she was their oldest resident.

Marietta was proceeded in death by her parents, husband, and brother John Lawrence Dillon. She is survived by her four children, seven grandchildren, and twelve great-grandchildren. They were all fortunate to have had Marietta in their lives for so many loving years. Family and friends will remember Marietta as a caring, compassionate, knowledgeable, and vibrant mother, grandmother, teacher, coworker, and friend. She touched many lives during her time on earth and will always be cherished for her love, dedication to education, unwavering faith, and commitment to community involvement. In honor of Marietta's life, a Celebration of Life Ceremony was held on August 8,2023 at the First United Methodist of Huntsville Wesley Center.