Beverly Elaine Austin

Beverly Elaine Austin, lovingly known as Maw Maw by family and Elaine by friends, passed peacefully into the presence of her Lord on September 3, 2025, leaving behind a rich legacy of faith, family, and love.

Elaine was born on March 25, 1945, the daughter of James and Madelyn Partrich. She was the only girl among her brother and Baton Rouge cousins, and she often shared fond memories of those early days filled with laughter, stories, and strong family bonds that carried into adulthood.

Elaine married the love of her life, Arnold Ray Austin, Sr., and together they shared over 60 years of marriage and deep devotion to family, and to the Lord. They faithfully served for many years in ministry side by side, with a special calling to the deaf community in North and South Louisiana. Elaine also worked at the Louisiana School for the Deaf for years. Later she served alongside her husband as the pastor's wife at Faith Baptist Church in Baker, Louisiana where he continues to minister.

Her life was marked by creativity, kindness, and a gentle spirit. She loved making crafts, creating beautiful ceramics that will remain treasured family keepsakes. She was sincerely thoughtful and genuine and was known for faithfully sending cards and gifts for birthdays and holidays, always making others feel remembered and loved.

Elaine had a spirit of adventure, traveling widely throughout the United States and abroad. From witnessing the majestic landscape of the Grand Canyon during a family trip when her children were younger, to journeys in South America exploring Machu Picchu by train, the Amazon River by a very small boat, the Nazca Lines by helicopter, and even daring dune buggy rides across the Peruvian desert sands to a trip of a lifetime to Alaska with Arnold Sr., Elaine delighted in God's creation and the experiences He allowed her.

In later years, Elaine endured a long season of illness with remarkable strength and dignity. Despite pain and many medical challenges, she rarely complained, leaning on her faith and ministering to her family through her perseverance and trust in the Lord.

Elaine's love for family was evident in everything she did. She is survived and will be lovingly remembered by the children she cherished Karen Austin, Arnold Ray Austin, Jr. (Susie), and Jennifer Kinchen (Brian); her grandchildren whom she adored Millie King, Alisha Downing (Lance), Benjamin Austin (Erin), Patrick Austin (Madelyn), Joe Havard, and Jake Havard; and her precious great-grandchildren Kendra, Aubrey, Noraleigh, Jon Henry, Oliver, Jude, Roxy Rae, and Van Costa. She is also survived by her brother Jimmy Partrich (Susan) and many extended family members who will recall her life with fondness.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson Hollis King, and her granddaughter Maddie.

Elaine has not left this earth without leaving her mark on it. The greatest treasure that she leaves behind is a powerful legacy in her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. May they honor her memory by living lives marked by faith, unconditional love, forgiveness, and grace.

She has fought the good fight, finished her race, and has received her eternal reward. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

Relatives and friends are invited to join the family for the visitation at Baker Funeral Home, 6401 Groom Road, Baker, LA, on Friday, September 5, 2025, from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM. The visitation will continue at Baker Funeral Home, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, from 9:00 AM until the Funeral Service at 11:00 AM, officiated by Reverend Billy Minyard. The graveside service and burial will follow at Azalea Rest Cemetery, in Zachary, Louisiana.

Pallbearers will be grandsons, Ben Austin, Patrick Austin, Jake Havard, Joe Havard, Lance Downing and Lonnie King (in honor of Hollis King).