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“Who can find a virtuous woman? For her price is far above rubies” Proverbs 31:10 A Time to Be Born… Gladys Basnight Austin was born on March 18, 1935 to John Clarence Basnight and Smithy Leary Basnight. She began her life journey in Edenton, North Carolina. A Time to Grow… A resident of Edenton, North Carolina for 84 years she was beloved throughout the community. She was educated in Chowan County Schools and worked in several community businesses including Pelikan Manufacturing, Carter’s Ink, and the bakery at Food Lion. In 2019 she relocated to Lagrange, NC to live with her daughter Patsy. A Time to Serve the Lord… Gladys was strong in her faith and attended the Church of Christ in Edenton and Goldsboro, North Carolina. She was known for having a servant’s heart. If someone was in need Gladys was quick to offer support and guidance. She loved the energy and spirit of the youth and opened her home to many neighborhood children. Friends and family members have fond memories of spending summers staying at her home with her and her husband, Vernon. A Time to Die… On Monday evening June 16, 2025, Ms. Gladys, as she was affectionately known, peacefully transitioned to her heavenly home while under the care of Signature HealthCARE of Kinston, North Carolina. A Time to Mourn… Gladys was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon Lee Austin; her son, Randy Kent Austin of Durham, NC; her daughter, Lorissa Austin; brothers, McKinley Holley, Leroy Basnight, William Basnight, and a foster son, George Wilder. She leaves to mourn her passing and cherish her memories, her daughters, Patsy Austin, Karen Fletcher (Aaron); godson, Godwyn Bond; her sisters, Esther Murphy, Carolyn Melton, Fannie Wright (Harold), and Betty Hoggard; her brothers, Arthur Rankins, Jr (Mabel), Charlie Rankins (Elaine) and Randy Rankins; six grandchildren, Randy Austin Jr. (Jessica), Chanel Austin, Jordan Boseman (Shante), Ashton Brown, Reagan Fletcher, and Dillon Fletcher; her five great grandchildren, Makayla Horton, Karleigh Chamberlain, Liam Cowger, Theodore Austin, and Dominick Austin; her daughter-in-law, Denise Austin; a devoted lifetime friend, Ms. Mabel Jordan; a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Her strength and love lives on through us all.

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Mrs Gladys Austin

March 18, 1935 - June 16, 2025