Peggy Jane (Laster) Austin, of Huntsville, Alabama, passed away peacefully in her sleep on July 4, 2023, at the age of 84. Peggy was preceded in death by her husband, Sonny Austin, her parents, Ernest and Pearl, her sisters, Joan and Louise, and grandniece, Morgan. She is survived by her son, Jay (Lena); granddaughters, Maddie Jayne, Jessie, and Hannah; brother, Bob (Glenda); sister-in-law, Wanda (Glenn); as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.
Born on March 28, 1939, in Medina, Tennessee, she lived most of her life in Huntsville. She graduated from Medina High School in 1957 and briefly attended Union University, where she was a cheerleader. Being one of four children, she had a wonderful upbringing full of excitement, love, and joy. She had many talents that included being a high school basketball star (several times scoring 30 + pts a game for the Hornets), a Beauty Queen; being crowned Miss Medina in 1958, and singing in several talent competitions. From early on, Peggy was always singing. She was an integral part of the quartet “The Velvatones” and later “The Charmettes”, recording two singles in Memphis and signing contracts with Hi and Meteor Records.
Peggy and Sonny got married in 1959. After moving to Huntsville, they continued to travel with their siblings all over the country to the beach, mountains, and out west. After having a son in 1970, Peggy dedicated her life to her family and church, Hillwood Baptist. She also had a wonderful 30 career working as an Executive Assistant for the Army on Redstone Arsenal. She loved to be outdoors doing anything, watching her son play baseball for many years, and spending time in her beautiful yard. Gardening was a love that she enjoyed immensely. Among many things, she was known for her kind heart, thoughtful nature, infectious smile, and her southern cooking.
Peggy was a devoted wife of 59 years to her high school sweetheart, and a loving, selfless mother to her only son, Jay. In the last 23 years, she was an expert at showering unconditional love and devotion to her three beautiful granddaughters, Maddie Jayne, Jessie, and Hannah.
Family and friends are invited to celebrate Ms. Peggy on Friday, July 7th at her home church, Hillwood Baptist. A viewing will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. with the funeral service immediately following.
