Frances Elizabeth (Brown) Austin, 96, went to her place in Heaven on August 17, 2025. Frances passed peacefully at her home in Yadkinville, N.C., at the Willowbrook Care Center.

Frances was born May 18, 1929, in Statesville, N.C., to Lonnie and Hallie (Plyler) Brown. She was preceded in death by her parents; Howard Brown (brother); her husband William C. (Bud) Austin; and nephew Kenneth Brown.

Survivors include nieces Susan Smart of Daytona Beach, Fla., Susan Conklin of Montgomery, Texas, and Barbara Fults of Lawndale, N.C., and nephew Ronald Sherrill (Shiela) of Lagrange, Ky.

Bud and Fran were long-time members of Christ Boulevard United Methodist Church in Statesville. They faithfully served their church and congregation. Frances was a member of the Women’s Circle group. They were also members of the traveling group, the “Jolly Seniors.” She enjoyed those travels and the good memories of those friends.

Frances was employed at the Statesville JC Penney warehouse as an accountant for many years. A late 1950s move to Orlando, Fla., brought Frances a position at the Martin Marietta Corporation. After about six years, and a move back to North Carolina, Frances went to work for Starrette’s Office Supply in Statesville.

Frances loved to watch every NASCAR race, and on a visit to the Daytona Beach Raceway she and Bud rode the track in a race car. She loved that story. Frances was also an avid fan of the Atlanta Braves.

A graveside service for Frances will be held at Oakwood Cemetery on Friday, September 19, at 11 a.m. Memorials may be made to a charity of donor’s choice in memory of Frances Austin.

Nicholson Funeral home has provided services to the family.