Lucy Burgess Austin

Lucy Burgess Austin, 62, of Roanoke Rapids, NC, died Friday, June 7, 2019 at her home. She was the wife of Wendell L. Austin for over 40 years. She was born November 25, 1956 in Lynchburg, VA, a daughter of Lucy D. Burgess of Altavista, VA and the late J. Rudolph Burgess. Lucy was an employee of the Roanoke Rapids Graded School District as a school nurse for 20 years. She was a member of Rosemary United Methodist Church where she was active in the United Methodist Women, True Spirit Circle, and dedicated countless hours to the children's ministries through teaching Sunday School, leading Vacation Bible School, and children's church. She also participated in the Linus Outreach Project and nursing home ministries. Lucy was proud to be a Girl Scout Troop leader for more than 10 years and she served the Girl Scouts of Coastal Carolina as a board member at large, board secretary, vice president, and president. She received the "Thanks Badge" which is the highest honor in Girl Scouts for her outstanding contributions and commitment to the GSUSA program, the prestigious "Silver Seagull Award" for her service to the Coastal Carolina Girl Scouts Council, served on the Coastal Pines Council Board, and was co-chair of the realignment to help establish the newly formed council. In addition to her husband and mother, she is survived by three daughters, Kathryn A. Mincher and her husband, Adam, of Oxford, NC, Emily A. Hord and her husband, Loren, of Raleigh, NC, and Allison L. Austin of Raleigh, NC; two brothers, Bubba Burgess and his wife, Debbie, of Cumberland, VA and Marshall Burgess and his wife, Debbie, of Charlotte, NC; one sister, Jane B. Hudgins and her husband, Mike, of Altavista, VA; two granddaughters, Meredith Rose Mincher and Madisyn Elizabeth Mincher; and a number of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her sister, Elizabeth B. Davis. A memorial service will be conducted at 2:00 p.m., Monday, June 10, 2019 at Rosemary United Methodist Church, Roanoke Rapids, NC by the Rev. Steve McElroy. Visitation will follow the service in the church fellowship hall. A private graveside service will be conducted on Wednesday, June 12, 2019 at Green Hill Cemetery, Altavista, VA by the Rev. Ben Horrocks. The family will receive friends at the residences of Wendell Austin and Lucy Burgess. The family prefers donations to be made to the Bladder Cancer Advocacy Network at BCAN.org or to Rosemary United Methodist Church, 900 Jackson Street, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870. Finch and Finch Funeral and Cremation Service, Altavista, VA is in charge of arrangements.

Lucy Burgess Austin

November 25, 1956 - June 7, 2019