Nell Louise Austin
July 18, 1934 ~ January 5, 2024
ROCKY MOUNT – Nell Louise Austin, age 89, passed away on Friday, January 5, 2024. Born in Hillsborough County, FL on July 18, 1934, she was the daughter of the late Thaddeus Eugene Martin and Myrtle Kayden Martin. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Harold Way Austin; her son, David Jeffrey Austin; her grandson, Benjamin Austin and her sister, Elizabeth Parrish.
Nell was a longtime member of First Baptist Church in Rocky Mount where she was active in the church, to include teaching Sunday School. She touched the lives of so many people and will always be remembered with love and kindness.
Nell is survived by her daughters, Debra Rackley (Harold), Sharon Hackney (James); her son, Martin Austin (Melissa); nine grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Nell’s Life will be held on Saturday, March 23, 2024, at 2:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services with Rev. Bill Grisham officiating. Visitation with the family will be from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM after the service in the Parlor of Johnson Funeral Home.
The family would like to say a special thanks to The Carrolton of Nash for their loving and compassionate care for the past 8 years.
Arrangements entrusted to Johnson Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 661 English Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.johnsonfuneralsandcremations.com.
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Nell was a dear godly child of God. For years I visited her at her son’s home and in the nursing facility until I moved. She always had her Bible near and talked about God–never complaining, always smiling, always thankful for visits, and for her family. Surely she has many rewards awaiting her in heaven. I know she was ready to meet Jesus. God bless her family who provided all the help they were able.
Jean Holding, friend and Sunday School teacher
I did not ever meet you Mrs. Austin, but your daughter, Debra is a very dear friend of mine. We have prayed for you on different occassions. You were very dear to Debra and her husband and I know she loved and cared for you so much. I am very blessed to know your family, they are all precious. You will surely be missed but we rejoice that you are now in the presence of Jesus.
I remember praying with Debra for many years for her “sweet little mama” who was confined to her bed in a long-term care facility. I know, through Debra’s anecdotes, that Nell was a woman well-versed in the scripture and had a strong faith. We all kept praying for comfort for Nell as God seemed to keep her with us for His good purposes. I have seen pictures of the great-grandchildren lying with her in the bed and smiling so big. It was bittersweet to hear of her passing. Mothers, grandmothers and great-grandmothers are so special and can never be replaced. They do live on in and through us, though. Their legacy continues through the family still here to tell stories and share memories with one another. May God comfort you, the family, and may His presence with you be so tangible. Praise God that Nell is no longer walking by faith, but by sight. She has seen Jesus face to face. He has wiped all tears, pain and sorrow away. There is only peace, love and light…with no bed in sight! ~Love, James & Tracey Watson
I never personally met Ms. Nell but I heard her lovingly referred to as Mama many times by her precious daughter, Debra. Would have loved to be on a fly in the wall when the kids were growing up based on many memories and stories. Grateful to know she is in an eternal paradise. Praise the Lord for her life and legacy! -Matt and Melissa Bentley; Anaya and Gabriel