Betty Jo Austin, 73, passed away on Wednesday, January 7, 2026, at NMMC in Tupelo, MS. She was a gifted seamstress and a gospel musician who loved playing guitar and singing with her brother and sister at churches throughout her life. Her happiest moments were spent with family, cooking delicious meals and playing Yahtzee together. Betty deeply loved her Lord and Savior and shared His love with everyone she met.
She is survived by her son, Victor Austin (Carley); her daughter, Linda Martin (Tim); six grandchildren, Britni York (Ed), Matthew Lucas (India), Ryan Countess (Victoria), Nicholas Countess, Ben Austin, and Ava Austin; seven great-grandchildren; her sister, Gertie Berryhill (Ronnie); her brother, Thomas Dearman; and her niece, Tammy Petrin (Danny).
She was preceded in death by her parents, Thomas Pare and Sally Bell Dearman; her daughter, Christy Dawn Austin; and her nephew, Michael Gregory.
A funeral service will be held at 3 PM on Sunday, January 11, 2026, at Tutor Memorial Funeral Home in Pontotoc, with Bro. Jimmy Webb officiating. Visitation will begin at 1 PM and continue until the service. Burial will follow at Jernigan Cemetery.
Pallbearers include Victor Austin, Tim Martin, Danny Petrin, Matthew Lucas, Colt Lucas, and Cohen York.
