Barbara Austin

Barbara Austin
Jacksonville - Barbara Ellen Austin, 78, of Jacksonville, passed away February 24, 2026, at Stonebridge Memory Care in Jacksonville. She was born February 23, 1947, the daughter of Albert "Andy" and Betty B (Garrett) Andrews.
She is survived by her son, Michael (Jacob) Austin of Springfield, Ill., and two grandchildren, Andrew and Christopher Austin.
She was preceded in death by both of her parents; one son, David Austin; one sister, Cathy Susan Andrews; and two half siblings, Sandra Eddinger and Freddie Andrews.
Barbara worked most of her life as a teacher and later became a paramedic at the age of 55. She helped develop the first Special Olympics in the area in 1976 and Women's Crisis Units in 1983. Barbara was a founding member of the Pilot Club and Barb graduated MacMurray in 1977 and then got her Masters in 1986 in Counseling.
A graveside service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, at Memorial Lawn Cemetery in Jacksonville. Memorials are suggested to the Special Olympics or Women's Crisis Center in Jacksonville. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements. Condolences may be left online at www.airsman-hires.com.