Mary Austin Ballowe Croft

Born on July 14, 1924 in Pittsylvania County, she was the daughter of the late Frank Lee Austin and Willie Rice Austin.

Mary was a loving wife, sister, daughter, aunt and friend to many. She had a heart of gold and would help her nieces and nephews whenever they needed it. Mary retired from GE after 35 years of service. Following her retirement, Mary stayed very busy and volunteered her time and talents with many organizations. She was a docent for the Lynchburg City Museum, volunteered for the Red Cross and member of the garden clubs. She started the Seven Hills Depression Glass Club and enjoyed working with her hands, where she made ceramics and did needlework. She also enjoyed working in her garden and watching her plants bloom every year. Mary was of the Baptist Faith.

In addition to her parents and husbands, she is preceded in death by three brothers, Willard Austin, Russell Austin and Bill Austin and two sisters, Lois Wilson and Bernice Poe.

Mary is survived by her sisters, Dot Carr and Jane Roark and husband LeRoy; brother, Curtis Austin and wife Connie; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other family members.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday, January 29, 2016 at Whitten Timberlake Chapel with Rev. Jerry Stanfield officiating. Interment will follow at Spring Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service starting at 10 am.