Barbara Ellen Brickle Austin

Obituary

Barbara Ellen Brickle Austin, 81, of Greensboro, NC, entered into her heavenly rest on June
18, 2023. She was born in rural Orangeburg County, SC, to the late Stella O’Cain Brickle
and Lonnie Tolson Brickle. Barbara was educated in the schools of Orangeburg County,
graduating from Bowman High School. She was also a graduate of Palmer Business
College in Columbia, SC.
She served as organist and church secretary at Northside Baptist Church, Orangeburg, in
the 1970’s. After her family moved to Greensboro, NC, Barbara was an active member of
Parkway Baptist Church and served as a Sunday School teacher, choir member, pianist,
VBS principal, church secretary, and many other roles. She was employed at Life of Virginia
Insurance Company, and at First Home Federal Bank. She retired after 25 years as
Assistant to the Personnel Director at Friends Home at Guilford.
In her spare time, Barbara enjoyed reading and watching mysteries, frequent trips to the
Biltmore Estate, Nascar, and adding to her many collections. She was a very kind and
loving person and was active in her community. Barbara especially enjoyed working with the
Meals on Wheels program. Spending time with family and friends was very important to her.
She loved time spent with her granddaughters, and very rarely missed one of their sports
competitions. She also adored her great grandson, Brooks, who she affectionately called
“Little Man”. Barbara was loved by many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Barbara was predeceased by two sisters: Myrtis B. Hinkle and
Ruth B. Udell, and three brothers: Laurie Brickle, Vernon Brickle, and Richard Brickle. She
is survived by her former husband, L Martin Austin, daughter, Beth A. Wurst (Kurt), her son,
David Austin, and two granddaughters, Kathryn B. Warren (Michael) and Alyssa Wurst, and
a great grandson, Brooks Russell Warren, who will soon be joined by his brother, Cole. She
is also survived by one sister, Hazel Brickle Shull, and beloved cousins, nieces and
nephews.
Plans for services are presently incomplete but will be announced later. The family thanks
Piedmont Hills and Hospice of the Piedmont for caring for Barbara. They also thank Triad
Cremation and Funeral Service for their assistance.