Jessie came to Gaston County as a young woman to seek work in the county's textile mills and worked in that industry until she retired at the age of 74. Most of those years were spent in Burlington Textile Mills in Mt. Holly and Cramerton, NC.
She was always a hard worker both inside and outside of the home. She loved and cared for her whole family and did all she could to bless their lives as long as she was able to.
Jessie also enjoyed gardening and walking outside in our neighborhood until at the age of 92. She lost her mobility due to numerous health issues including chronic kidney disease.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 66 years, Clayton Eugene Austin, Jr., her granddaughter Jessica Fulcher Harris, two brothers and her sister.
She is survived by her brother Barney Ledford of Hiawassee, GA, and her sister-in-law, Corilee Ledford of Missouri and many nieces and nephews. Her three daughters, Deborah Jean Austin of Bel Air, MD, Marlene Austin Cantler and Melody Austin Rowe of Dallas, NC, 6 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren and 2 great-great-grandchildren.
A visitation will be held at Carothers Funeral Home at Gaston Memorial Park on Wednesday, June 24, 2026 from 2:00 pm until 4:00 pm.
Please visit www.carothersfuneralhomegastonia.com to leave online condolences for the Austin Family.
