Ruth Richmond Austin

Austin, Ruth Marinda Richmond, 97, went to be with the Lord on July 11, 2023. She is survived by her children, Carol Lynn Austin and James Spencer Austin, Jr.; daughter-in-law, Michelle Homans Austin; grandson James Michael Austin; and nephews Robert Adrian Versprille, Jr. and John Parker Versprille.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years James Spencer Austin, her sister Reba Fay Richmond Versprille, brother-in-law Robert Adrian Versprille, and parents, Lewis Earl Richmond and Mary Ida Jenkins Richmond.

Ruth was born on August 1, 1925, in Huntington, WVA, and grew up in Norfolk, VA. She earned a BA in English from William and Mary College and a Master's in Speech Pathology from the University of Virginia. She was a member of Alpha Chi Omega Sorority and Kappa Delta Pi. She was a pioneer in the field of Speech Pathology as a Speech Supervisor in Norfolk County Schools.

She was married on December 26, 1953, and had her children before moving to Original Carrollwood, Tampa, FL, in 1960. She was President of the Carrollwood Garden Club and authored a book on Genealogy, as well as one on Speech Pathology. In later years, she taught Bible studies at various churches.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will be conducted at noon Friday, July 28, 2023, at 12220 N Armenia Ave., Tampa 33612. There will be a reception following the service.