Minister Mary Austin

Mary Ann (Merrill) Austin was born August 2, 1961, in Wilson, NC. Mary is the daughter
of the late William Lester Merrill and Mother Annie Doris Hodges of Wilson, NC. Mary
Ann was married to the late Charles Austin of Durham, NC. Mary Ann entered eternal
rest on August 16, 2023, at the Hock family Pavilion in Durham, NC.

Mary Ann was reared in Wilson, NC. She received her education in the Wilson County
School System. After High School, Mary Ann entered the “Workforce of Life”. Mary Ann
held multiple jobs that included nursing facilities, daycare. She was also one of the first
females to help build Eastway Elementary School.

Mary Ann left a loving impression on everyone that she encountered. To know Mary
Ann was to love her … as we all did! She was always willing to help anyone in any way
that she could.

Mary Ann was a “Praiser” and a “Prayer Warrior”. She would pray for anyone at any
given time, even when she was going through herself. Mary Ann was a member of
Gospel Crusade Outreach Ministry of Durham, NC, under the leadership of Pastor
Kenneth Peaks. She became a member of Ark of Safety Outreach Ministry under the
leadership of Apostle Clifton Farrington and Overseer Sherry Farrington. Mary Ann
served faithfully at First Miracle Temple under the leadership of Bishop Robert Jones, Jr
and Elect Lady Joyce Jones, until her health failed.

Mary Ann was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Austin and her niece Quintina
Simmons.

Mary Ann leaves precious and unforgettable memories with her two loving children
whom she adored, Tyrone Merrill (Trina) of Raleigh, NC and Latoya Merrill of Durham,
NC; her mother, Annie Doris Hodges; two sisters, Debra Leach (Brad) of Decatur, GA and
Beatrice Jefferson (Montie) of Wilson, NC; two brothers, Anthony Hodges and Bobby
Merrill of Wilson, NC; four grandchildren, Taniya Tate Merrill, Donathan Webb, Jr.
(Signa), Jerrian Teasley and Azriel Merrill; four nephews, Ra’quan Boyette (Khristen),
Bryant Best (Ashley), Vincent McCoy and Travis Hodges; three nieces, Synette Wells,
Ashley Ellis, Debrasia Merrill; a special cousin, Kenneth Earl Lewis, four special “sister
friends”, Cleo Barnes, Robin Jones, Gwendolyn Boyd and Beverly McCoy; a special
godson, Juan Thornton; several god-daughters/god-sons and a host of other relatives
and friends.

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