Virginia Austin (7-4-11) services 7-7-11

Virginia Austin, of Savannah, was born in Lauderdale County, Ala., on Feb. 13, 1920, the daughter of the late William Gipson and Susan Octavia Evelyn Newman Covington.

On Dec. 22, 1938, she was united in marriage to Arnold Austin, who survives.

Mrs. Austin was a U.S. Air Force wife and traveled extensively, but eventually retired and settled in Savannah, Tenn., where their lives originated. She was a member of the Eureka Methodist Church and the United Methodist Women’s Club. She was faithful and committed to the women’s club. Mrs. Austin was an avid gardener and loved working in her flowers. She was enthusiastic in showing anyone who stopped by her beautiful flowers; she was known for having a green thumb.

Mrs. Austin departed this life on Monday, July 4, at the age of 91 years, 4 months, 21 days.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by five daughters, Pattie Adams of Florence, Ala., Rita Barnhill, Judy Bridges, Mackie Welch and Terry Griswell, all of Savannah; a son, Tommy Austin of Enville; 10 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her siblings, Edna Covington, Marie Covington Yost, Alan Covington, Mancel Covington, William Covington, George Covington and infant twins.

Services will be held today, Thursday, July 7, at 1 p.m., at Shackelford Chapel in Savannah with Ron Jones and James Clark officiating. Burial will follow in the Memory Gardens at Savannah.