WILMA ANN MULLINS AUSTIN

It is with great sadness that we share the passing of our precious Mother/ Mamaw - Wilma Austin.

Wilma Ann Mullins Austin was born on October 22, 1934, the second child of eleven children, to Ed and Lola Robinson Mullins. Not many people knew she was named at birth Willie Ann after her great grandmother Willie Ann Poore; however, she was always called Wilma. She was a daughter, sister; wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to many.

She had a tremendous impact on our lives and loved her family fiercely! She worked hard all her life, whether it be her career of over 30 years at Wise Appalachian Regional Hospital, gardening, canning/preserving food, she excelled at it all and passed along her work ethic to both of her children. Wilma was a wonderful cook, and after many requests, finally published a cookbook in 2008 with a lifetime of stories, remedies, recipes, and this legacy of hers will be cherished by many for years to come.

At the age of 25, Wilma's mother passed away leaving behind many younger children with only their father to care for them. Without hesitation, Wilma took her five-year-old son and four-month-old daughter to stay with her father and siblings to help care for them after such a tragic loss, and our Daddy "Berlin" would come on weekends to visit his wife and children. The ten children were all 2 years apart in age, and to this day, have always been a loving and close-knit family. Wilma was strong in her faith and prayed nightly for her family and others in need. She was active in the church for many years at the Open-Door Tabernacle (later renamed Independent Baptist Church), and later became a member at Hamilton Chapel.

Wilma was predeceased by her husband of 66 years, Berlin Austin, her parents Ed and Lola Mullins, a sister Irma Louise, and 2 brothers John Ed Mullins and Carl P. Mullins, her mother and father-in-law, Dewey and Snoda Austin, sisters-in-law Trula Austin Kozitka, Pat Mullins, Phyllis Mullins, and Norma Mullins. Family was everything to mom and she loved and cared for everyone with all she had.

She is survived by her children Stan Austin (Vivian), Clintwood, VA, Sandy Richards (Steve), Knoxville, TN, 2 grandchildren Chad Richards (Stephanie), Arlington, VA, Hallie Duncan (Zane), Knoxville, TN, and her two precious great-grandsons, Zane, Jr., and Miles Duncan. She was also blessed to have 6 brothers and 1 sister survive her - Muncie Mullins, Earl Mullins, Donnie Mullins (Patsy), James Mullins, Bob Mullins (Norma), sister Linda Jane Stone (Doug), Joe Lee Mullins (Karen), many special nieces, nephews, cousins, and a long list of close and caring friends.

We are at peace because we know she is with the Lord, her beloved husband, her parents, brothers, sister, grandparents, and so many other friends and family members who have gone before her.

The pallbearers will be her nephews: Eddie Mullins, Greg Mullins, Adam Mullins, Danny Mullins, Steven Mullins, Jason Mullins. Honorary pallbearers will be her remaining nephews - Rick Mullins, Brad Mullins, Derek Mullins, Jonathan Mullins, Randall Mullins, and Matt Mullins.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Wise County Food Bank, Pound Branch PO box 2977, Wise, Va, 24293 or the Pound Historical Society; PO Box 373 Pound, VA 24279.

Funeral Services will be conducted Sunday, October 1, 2023, at 5:30 p.m. in the Baker Funeral Home Chapel with Reverend Greg Cyphers officiating. Receiving of friends will be held prior to the service from 3:00 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. Entombment services will be held at the Temple Hill Memorial Gardens Monday October 2, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Burns Robinson officiating. Family and friends are asked to meet at Baker Funeral Home by 9:30 a.m. to prepare to go in procession to the cemetery.

Baker Funeral Home-Pound is serving the family of Wilma Ann Mullins Austin.