Joan Austin

Joan (JoAnn) Bell Austin, 79, of Locust passed away Monday, September 9, 2013 at her home. Joan was born October 21, 1933 in Ozark, Alabama to the late William Preston Bell and Annie Lou Howard Bell. The family will receive friends at Hartsell Funeral Home in Midland on Wednesday, September 11, 2013 from 6 until 8 PM. Funeral services will be held at First Baptist Church of Locust on Thursday at 4 PM following a 30 minute state, officiated by Dr. Kinney Wallace and Dr. Tommy Ross . Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Joan was a pillar in her community with unparalleled dedication to her family and her friends. She reigned as the best mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Joan was a dedicated sunday school teacher and active church member for many decades. At other times the family will meet at her home. She is survived by her daughter, Diane Austin of Charlotte; son, Keith Austin and wife Jody of Locust; sisters, Lillian Hudson and Grace Dunn both of Alabama; grandchildren, Brooke Atkinson (Simon), Blaire Singleton (Shawn), Matthew Austin (Erica), Joshua Austin, Sarah Austin, and Zachary Austin; great-grandchildren, Desiree, Landon, Olivia, Brayden, Creed, Emery, Kasen, Trinity, Levi, and Colton; and many loving nieces and nephews. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Stanly County 960 North 1st Street Albemarle, NC 28001. Hartsell Funeral Home of Midland is serving the Austin family.