Shirley Austin

(From Ozark Funeral Home)

Shirley Jean Austin, age 69, of Noel, Missouri, departed this life on Saturday evening, February 14, 2026, in the comfort of her home after a recent battle with cancer. She entered this life on December 4, 1956, in Gravette, Arkansas, the second of six children born to the union of the late Minton Dale and Georgia Louise (Miller) Abercrombie.

She was a lifelong area resident and a 1975 graduate of McDonald County High School. On August 2, 1985, she was united in marriage to Robert Dale “Bob” Austin and together they shared thirty-three years before his passing on October 8, 2018. 

 

Shirley's professional life was characterized by loyalty and hard work, as she dedicated over forty years to Hudson/Tyson Foods in Noel, Missouri, before retiring in 2013. Even in retirement, she continued to serve her community, working an additional seven years at the Noel Methodist Church Daycare.

Her commitment to her faith was evident in her long-standing membership with the Noel Methodist Church. Shirley's love for her church community was paralleled only by her love for her family and her cherished dogs. She embraced the role of grandmother with joy and enthusiasm, creating a legacy of love and cherished memories that will live on through her grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Bob Austin; and a sister Elizabeth Qualls. 

 

She is survived by her two sons, Brad Austin and Justin Austin and wife, Jessica, all of Wyandotte, Oklahoma; three grandchildren, Hannah Hollingshead and husband, Gage, Jonah Redden and Haden Austin; two brothers, Ab Abercrombie and wife, Rachel, of Kimberling City, Missouri and Dale Abercrombie and wife, Deborah, of Pea Ridge, Arkansas; two sisters, Lana Oxford of Gravette, Arkansas and Minta Spence of Jay, Oklahoma; as well as a host of other family and friends.

Graveside services are 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 19, 2026 at Southwest City Cemetery with Pastor Isaac Gibson officiating. Those honoring her life by serving as pallbearers are Cory Qualls, Scotty Qualls, Jonah Redden, Haden Austin, Gage Hollingshead and Curtis Abercrombie. The family will receive friends on Wednesday evening from 5-7:00 p.m. at Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri. Arrangements are under the care of Ozark Funeral Home in Anderson, Missouri.