Elizabeth "Jeannie" Austin

Bartow - Elizabeth "Jeannie" Austin, age 85, passed away Sunday, August 31, 2025. She was born March 29, 1940 in Cuthbert, GA to Terrell & Elizabeth Walker. She was a member of Rehoboth Baptist Church in Shellman, GA. In 1958, she met and married her loving husband Gene W. Austin, and moved to Bartow, FL. Gene and Jeannie were married for 63 years. She worked for 28 years for the Polk County School Board, mostly at Bartow Elementary. Jeannie loved spending time with her family and friends, especially her great-grandchildren. Jeannie is preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Gene W. Austin, brother Robert Walker, sister Gayle Walker and son-in-law Ray Lowers. Jeannie is survived by her daughter Terri Lowers of Lakeland, son Wesley Austin & fiancee Jana Butler of Lafayette, LA, granddaughter Lindsay Gwynne & husband Josh of Bartow, and three great grandchildren Raygan, William, and Barron. A special thank you to the amazing team of women that cared for Jeannie for the last several years: Cindy, Nikki, Marquitta, Tamara, Janice and Amy. Family will receive friends Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Funeral service will follow at 11:00 am Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home. Burial will be at Wildwood Cemetery in Bartow, FL. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com.