Mary E Austin

Mary Evelyn Austin, of Jacksonville, Florida, passed away peacefully in the comfort of her home on December 28, 2025, at the age of 85. Mary was born July 24, 1940, in Moultrie, Georgia. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who always put family first.

Mary spent many years working in the accounting and bookkeeping departments at companies like Frito-Lay and PepsiCo and A-to-Z Sandwich shop before finishing her career at George A. Israel Inc. After a well-deserved retirement, Mary spent much of her time with her family at the beloved home she and her husband, James, built on Lake Santa Fe. The lake felt like home because her parents bought a place there when Mary was young and she spent much of her life on and near the lake. For that reason, she and James decided to build a lake house of their own for their kids and grandkids to enjoy. Mary was affectionately called “Gunga” by her grandkids and her grandkids will cherish their memories of Gunga and the time they shared together for a lifetime. While the lake was her favorite place to be, she loved traveling around the United States on regular girls’ trips with her sister Jane and mother Thelma. She also enjoyed traveling across the east coast with her sons Brian and Kevin for their frequent Jet Ski races. Racing, in many forms, was a big part of Mary’s life. From her sons’ Jet Ski racing to the several race cars she and James owned, it became part of the Austin family’s DNA.

Mary is survived by her husband of 65 years, James Austin; two children, Brian Austin (Shelby) and Kevin Austin; seven grandchildren, Steven Eagerton (Deanna), Kayleigh Faulk, Alan Austin (Corinne), Mary Elisabeth Spaulding (Alex) ,Andrew Austin (Sarah), Kathryn Raulerson (Daniel), and William Austin; 11 great grandchildren; a brother, Curtis Giles; a sister, Jane Faulk; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A visitation will be held for Mary on Monday, January 5, 2025, from 11:00am-12:00pm, followed by a service and burial from 12:00-1:30pm, and reception from 1:30-3:30pm. All events will take place at Hardage-Giddens, Riverside Memorial Park & Funeral Home, 7242 Normandy Blvd, Jacksonville, Fl 32205.