On Friday, April 21, 2017, Marion Frances Austin (Baby Townsend) entered eternal life and left this world for her spirit to be carried on, at age 86. She had a long and great life as a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother and sister. She was a wonderful example of faith and strength.
Marion was born in Stockton, MD on October 10, 1930 to the late Ethel and Monroe Townsend. On August 25, 1952, she married William Lee Austin and became a longtime resident of Horntown, VA, where they made their home and had nine children. Marion was devoted to her family and valued spending time with her children and grandchildren. Marion was a devote Christian, she gave her life to Christ at an early age. She enjoyed cooking, gardening, shopping and collecting photos for her albums. She also loved her blueberries. In addition, she played an important part in many of our lives, even raised some that were not her own. If she wasn’t thanked enough, we thank her again for the sacrifices made and the love that she gave.
She is survived by her two daughters, Esther Austin and Mary Dividu of Wilmington, DE; her three sons, Billy Austin of Horntown, VA, Arvall Austin of Horntown, and Larry Austin of Wilmington, DE; 56 grandchildren; and 236 of great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; one devoted grandson, Vallice Austin; one sister, Matilda Townsend of New York, two sisters-in-law, Lula May Townsend and Bernadette Townsend; two brothers-in-law, Ervin Austin and Norman Marshall, and many loving nieces, nephews and cousins.
Marion was preceded in death by her parents, Ethel and Monroe Townsend; her husband, William Lee Austin; three daughters, Barbara Austin, Betty Austin-Wallop, Valine Austin; one son, Donald Austin; two grandsons, Lenny Mc Daniel and Raymond Harmon James Austin; and great grandson, Devin Austin; and host of brothers and sisters.
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