Shirley Barnett Austin, 81, of Hatteras, died January 15, 2020, at Peak Resources – Outer Banks.

Born in Toms River, NJ on March 25, 1938, she was the daughter of the late Edna and Jarvis Barnett.

Shirley and her husband were foster parents to more than 20 children. She tutored children in reading and her love for the interaction with the people she worked with motivated her to work at The Hatterasman Drive In. An active member of the Order of the Eastern Star, Shirley was a pianist for Cape Hatteras Chapter 303. Until her decline in health, she attended Lighthouse Assembly of God.

Shirley is survived by husband, Gary Austin; children Shelva Cox (David), Sheila Mann (Rex), Shawn Caldwell (Jay) and Shane Austin (Holly); grandchildren Gary Mann, Stacy Lamb, Susan Sanders, Austin Caldwell, Davey Cox, Sabrina Polk, Sierra Austin, Owen Austin and Gary Austin; ten great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by daughter Susan Joy and sister Barbara Williams.

A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on January 18 at Lighthouse Assembly of God with Rev. Durwood Willis officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Port Health Services Hatteras Clinic (PO Box 565, Nags Head, NC 27959 or online at www.porthealth.org/about/donations).

Twiford Funeral Homes, Outer Banks is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences and memories can be shared at www.TwifordFH.com.

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