Dorothy Austin

Dorothy Lucille Austin, age 91 of Mena, Arkansas passed away Thursday, March 6, 2025 at her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born on Friday, May 19, 1933 to James Benjamin and Lucille Peugh Rogers in Dallas, Texas. Lucille died a few days later. 3 years afterward James married her sister, Luis Zenobia Peugh, who then raised Dorothy as her own daughter.
Dorothy was a beautiful soul whose love, faith, and joyful spirit touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She had a way of making each person feel special and cherished, sharing warmth and kindness in every interaction.
In 1949, Dorothy was crowned Mena High School Homecoming Queen, and in 1950, she was honored as the Mena Band Queen. But beyond these titles, she carried herself with grace and a radiant smile that reflected her loving heart. Her passion for music began as DeeDee Johnson's first piano student, leading her to become an accomplished pianist and vocalist. She often sang for church and shared her gift by teaching piano, bringing joy to countless lives through her music.
Dorothy's faith was the foundation of her life. A devoted member of Grace Bible Church, she was a dedicated teacher in her beloved Bible Study Group, guiding and inspiring others with her wisdom and love for the Lord. Her greatest desire was for her family and friends to know Jesus personally, and she lived her life as a shining example of His love. John 14:6 was a verse she held dear: "Jesus answered, 'I am the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.'"
Summers spent at Shangri La on Lake Ouachita for family reunions were some of her most treasured memories, where laughter, love, and togetherness filled her heart. She found joy in cooking, always looking up new recipes to share, as well as sewing and quilting with the same care she put into everything she did.
Dorothy loved gathering around the table with friends and family, playing games and sharing laughter-the kind of laughter that was infectious and unforgettable. Her presence was truly a gift, filled with fun, encouragement, and a deep interest in those around her. Her love of the Lord radiated in all she did, leaving an everlasting impression on the hearts she touched.
Dorothy was a wonderful daughter, sister, wife, mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, and friend. She lived an ordinary life in the most extraordinary way-through love, kindness, and faith. Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy of love will live on forever in the lives of those she touched.
Dorothy is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Calvin Austin; one son, Lance Austin, and one brother, Jimmy Rogers.
Dorothy is survived by her son and daughter-in-law, Lamar and Becky Austin of Mena, Arkansas; two daughters and sons-in-law, Lauren and Allen Herod of Mena and Leslyn and Ken Boyland of Maumelle, Arkansas; one brother, Gene Rogers and wife, Lona of Gold River, California; sisters in law, Ronnie Rogers of Waldron, Arkansas, Clair Reece Young of Benton, Arkansas and Donita Easley and husband, David of Hot Springs, Arkansas; ten grandchildren, Ashley and Tom Stevens of Rapid City, South Dakota, Adam and Ashton Herod of Mena, Marcus and Kelbie Herod of Mena, Emily and Logan McCourtney of Mena, Allie and Taylor Schuller of Mena, Madison Herod of Mena, Allison Austin of Mena, Lucy and Matt Briggs of Flippin, Arkansas, Landon Boyland of Maumelle, Arkansas and Layne and Erik Bruckman of Sherwood, Arkansas; seventeen great grandchildren, Hannah, Hailey, Josiah and Eli Stevens, Macy, Maddox, Makenzie, and Myles Herod; Saylor and Grantley Herod, Riley, Zoey, Tyson, and Remi McCourtney, Samuel and Annie Schuller and James Bruckman; several nieces and nephews and a host of other relatives and friends.
A memorial service will be held Saturday, March 15, 2025 at 2:00 P.M. at Grace Bible Church in Mena, Arkansas with Dr. Lamar Austin officiating. A private burial will be held at Six Mile Cemetery in Hatfield with arrangement entrusted to Bowser Family Funeral Home in Mena, Arkansas. No visitation is planned.
In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Grace Bible Church Missions Fund or the Awana fund, 1911 Highway 71 N., Mena, Arkansas 71953.
Pallbearers will be Allen Herod, Ken Boyland, Adam Herod, Marcus Herod, Landon Boyland, Tom Stevens, Logan McCourtney, and Taylor Schuller.
Honorary Pallbearers will be Chris Daniel, Larry Rogers and Stokes Herod.
Online Guestbook: www.bowserffh.com