Emma Mae Austin

EMMA MAE (Barton) AUSTIN 83, passed away Wednesday morning, June 27, 2007, at her daughter' s home in Sebring. Emma was born July 7, 1923, in White Springs, Fla., the oldest daughter of Rev. Joe and Lillie Barton. She met her beloved husband, Elden at the Methodist Church in Lake Placid and they married in 1941. Elden and Emma were founding members of Community Church of God in Lake Placid, where they raised their family and she faithfully served in their baby nursery for over 30 years. Emma was the first employee of the First Bank of Lake Placid in 1960, retiring in 1986. She was honored by the Lake Placid Historical Society in 2006, and named Pioneer Woman of the Year. Emma was preceded in death by Elden in 2003, and she leaves three children to cherish her memory, Suzanne (Jim) Jones, Steve (Paula) Austin, Dorothy Beuche Morris and son-in-law, Joe Beuche; eight grandchildren, Heidi Jones, Emily (Mike) High, Scott (Helen) Austin, Jennifer (Doug) Jones, Stephanie (Glenn) Johnson, Chris (Kerri) Anderson, Kathy Beuche and Joey Beuche; eight great-grandchildren, Hayden Parker, Mason High, Kaitlyn, Amanda and Delaney Emma Austin, Chase Austin Anderson, Michael Beuche and Timothy Holland. She is also survived by a brother and sister, Dr. Joe (Norma) Barton and Katherine Cowart; sister and brother-in-law, Retha Sapp and David (Ellie) Austin; nieces, nephews and dear friends too numerous to name. The family will visit with friends and family prior to the service at Community Church of God in Lake Placid on Tuesday, 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. July 3, 2007. Emma' s homegoing celebration will follow at 12 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made in Emma' s name to Community Church of God, 735 Sun ' n Lake Blvd., Lake Placid, FL 33852. Telephone, (863) 465-3715, or Good Shepherd Hospice of Highlands County, 4418 Sun ' n Lake Blvd., Sebring, Fl 33872. Arrangements entrusted to STEPHENSON-NELSON FUNERAL HOME Sebring, Florida 33870 863-385-0125