Barbara Austin

Heaven gained a beautiful soul on Saturday, March 1, 2025, as Barbara Jean Austin, at the age of 73, was called home to be with the Lord.

Barbara was born on November 23, 1951, in Saginaw, Michigan, to the union of Matthew Lee Pinkston Sr. and James Anna Cooper Pinkston. Barbara was educated in the Saginaw Public School System and graduated from Saginaw High School. She went on to successfully earn her aesthetician and cosmetology license, showcasing her passion for beauty and self-care. She later pursued a career in nursing, first becoming a Practical Nurse and eventually retiring as a Licensed Registered Nurse. Over the years, she dedicated her skills and compassion to various roles in local hospitals, nursing homes, the county sheriff’s department, a dialysis center, and the school system through Health Delivery.

Barbara was a woman of many talents and interests. She had a deep passion for creativity and enjoyed dancing, shopping, baking, quilting, crafting, and searching for treasures at estate and garage sales. She was an avid hustle, ballroom, and step dancer, even teaching hustle dance classes at senior centers in Saginaw and Flint. She danced with several groups, including the Hasselbring Hustlers, Hustlers on the Move, and H & L Hustlers. Her love of music and dance led her to become a disc jockey, affectionately known as D.J. Jazzy B. She was also known as the "Gadget Queen," always keeping up with the latest technology and making sure she had the newest and most exciting devices.

Barbara had a deep love for the Lord and dedicated herself to spreading His word as an evangelist. Her faith was evident in all that she did, and she served in many capacities, including speaking, acting as a Mistress of Ceremony, singing in the choir, cooking, and creating bulletins. She was wholeheartedly committed to her faith, always going above and beyond to uplift and inspire those around her.

Barbara cherished her family and friends and was a loving, caring, and generous woman who found joy in bringing people together. With her quick wit and lively sense of humor, she had a way of keeping those around her laughing. Her competitive edge was matched only by her love of fun. Whether she was dancing, playing games, or diving into a new challenge, she did it with flair, a big smile, and just the right amount of mischief.

Barbara was preceded in death by her parents, Matthew Lee and James Anna Pinkston, and her brothers, Matthew Lee Pinkston, Jr., and Nolan Kent Pinkston.

Barbara is survived by her loving sons, Herbert White Jr. (Latanya) of Jacksonville, FL, and Deonn Lowery Sr. of Saginaw, MI; her cherished grandchildren, Deonn Lowery Jr., Deontrinnea Blunt, Charles White, Taelor Lowery, Travion Logan, Edward Blue Jr., and Kenshon Blue; and her adored great-grandchildren, Sakoya Lowery, Latoya Lowery, Marquise Lowery, Cartier Lowery, Breonn Lowery, Amiri Lowery, KaLayah Lowery, Darius Jones, Dajour Blunt, and Danarii Solomon, along with her honorary god great-granddaughter, Star Nissen. She is also survived by her beloved sisters, Carolyn Pinkston of Saginaw, MI, Alice Patterson (Wray) of Detroit, MI, and Charlotte Brisker of Redford, MI, as well as her nieces and nephews, Timothy Pinkston (Alexis), Georgia Pinkston, Monica Pinkston, DeAnna Johnson (Dyrel), Keenan Patterson (Loraine), and Matthew Brisker. Special friends Losten Arnold III, Tina Carruth, Patricia Chambry, and Nina Gayden will forever treasure her friendship and the love and laughter they shared.

Barbara leaves behind a legacy of love, joy, strength, and kindness. Her memory will forever live on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing her.