Mrs. Mae Austin

Mae Ranson Austin, 93, of Charlotte passed away peacefully at home on January 16, 2012. She was born in Charlotte, N.C. on Friday, September 13, 1918, to Boyce and Freda Ranson, being the second of eight children. She attended Charlotte city schools and graduated from Central High School.

The family wishes to express its appreciation to the caring staffs of Hospice and Palliative Care and of Carehaven, Inc. for their assistance the last few months of her life.

Mae lived every day to the fullest. Her employment included working with husband, Jack, for several years at Austin Cushion & Canvas, but her favorite job was working at Price’s Greenhouses with her hands in the dirt…she never met a flower she didn’t like. Her children often said that she could plant a toothpick and grow a tree.

Mae was active throughout her life, serving as a Red Cross volunteer (and donating over 10 gallons of blood), working with Habitat for Humanity, and helping in the renovations at Camp Lurecrest. She was a charter member of Steele Creek Chapter #339, O.E.S., serving as Worthy Matron and as a District Officer.

A member of Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church since January 30, 1949, Mae sang in the choir for over 62 years. She worked with the Girl Scout program for over 15 years, taught both Sunday School and Bible School, worked with the senior high Youth Group and served on numerous committees. Being elected an Elder, she served as Clerk of the Session and in February, 2004, she was honored as Elder Emeritus by her church family.

Mae is survived by her beloved husband of 75 years, Jack C. Austin; son J. Clifford Austin, Jr. (Shirley); daughters Jill McKinney (Robert) and MB Austin Sapp (Tom); grandsons Jack Austin, III and Brian McKinney (Christy); granddaughters Sheri Novak (Curtis) and Sandra Johnston (Darcy); great-grandson Blake Austin; great-granddaughters Morgan Brafford, Daniella Johnston and Elizabeth Johnston; four sisters, Frances Canup (W.R.), Dorothy Estridge (Allen), Margaret Crocker and Sarah Blackwelder; and numerous nieces and nephews.

A memorial service to celebrate the life of “Mama” Mae will be held on Saturday, January 28, 2012, at Central Steele Creek Presbyterian Church, 9401 S. Tryon St, Charlotte, N.C. at 11:00 AM. Visitation will follow in the Family Life Center.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to: “C.S.C.P.C. Building Fund” (9401 S. Tryon St., Charlotte, N.C. 28273), or to Hospice & Palliative Care, Charlotte Region (1420 E. 7th St., Charlotte, N.C. 28204).