Memorial services for Betty Jane Austin will be conducted Thursday, November 15, 2018 at 11:00 am in the chapel of Arrington Funeral Directors with Rev. Eddie Larkins of Jackson officiating. Interment will follow at Highland Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held Wednesday from 4:00 pm until 6:00 pm.
Jane, age 77, passed away at Forest Cove Nursing & Rehabilitation Center on Monday, November 12, 2018 after a long illness. She was accomplished at her vocation of cosmetology and was well known for her expertise and creativity in styling women’s long hair. She cultivated close relationships with her patrons and created an encouraging and fun atmosphere in her place of business. She was generous in her giving and a loving grandmother. She was a member of Bemis Pentecostal Church and attended Life Church of Jackson until she became ill.
Jane was born on August 7, 1941 in Jackson, TN to Troy and Melba Dawson Frazier. She attended North Side High School, and after raising her children, attended McCollum Ross School of Cosmetology. She married Ralph Thomas Austin in 1978. Jane managed the Merle Norman Studio in South Jackson until the business was destroyed by a tornado in 1999. Afterwards, she operated Designs by Jane hair salon at her home in west Jackson.
She was preceded in death by her brother Charles Frazier.
She is survived by her husband Ralph Austin of Jackson; children, Robert E. McKenzie, Jr. (Angela) of Jackson, and John McKenzie of Smyrna, TN; grandchildren Robert E. McKenzie, III of Jackson and Adrienne McKenzie (Gavin Blackwell) of Medina, great-grandchildren Stella and McKenzie Blackwell; brothers, Nathan Frazier (Geneva) of Jackson and Jim Dunavan (Naomi) of East Grand Forks, MN.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to the Dream Center of Jackson at www.dreamcenterjackson.com/how-to-help. Condolences can be sent online from www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com.
Arrington Funeral Directors, 148 W. University Parkway, Jackson, TN 38305.731.668.1111 www.arringtonfuneralgroup.com