Reba Austin

Reba Nell Austin, 83, of Sparta, passed away November 14, 2010, at home with her loving family.

Reba was born November 4, 1928 to Seth Bumbalough and Biddie Daniels Bumbalough.

John 13:34

A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.

Reba loved everyone. She had a forgiving and loving heart. From an early age she cared for the elderly in their homes. She spent years volunteering at both of the nursing homes in Sparta. She raised 8 children and influenced the lives of nieces and nephews. She recently said 'You have to love people before they will love you back'. God certainly created a special person when he created Reba. She had many, many friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Ray Austin, her parents, 5 brothers, 1 daughter-in-law, Bobbie Austin, 1 Son-in-law, Ronnie Minnear, and 1 grandchild, Justin Rose.

Survivors include: 2 sons, John and Shirley Austin of Sparta, Robert Austin of Sparta, 6 daughters, Bettye Sue Austin of Knoxville, Brenda Nash of Cookeville, Joyce and David Whiteaker of Sparta, Linda and Bruce Moorehead of Sparta, Wanda & Mike Smith of Cookeville, & Kathleen Sparks of Cookeville. She leaves 22 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, 3 sisters, Bessie Bumbalough of Sparta, Ruby Conley of Sparta, Notie Ruth Norton of Sparta, 1 brother, Charlie Bumbalough of Crossville, & many nieces, nephews, and friends.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, November 17, 2010, at Thurman Funeral Home at 1:00 P.M. Officiating will be Bro. Jerry Pullum and Bro. Dave Shelley. Interment will follow in the Bohannon Cemetery in Putnam County. Pall Bearerers Matt Moorehead, Bryan Nash, Jordan Austin, Josh Biggs, Cody Nash, Joseph Smith, Austin Minnear and Tyler Heard.

Family will receive friends Tuesday, November 16, 2010 at Thurman Funeral Home from 5:00 pm till 9:00 pm. Thurman Funeral Home of Sparta,TN is in charge of the arrangements.

Our family wants to thank each and every one of you for you cards, flowers, phone calls, visits, food and gifts. Thank you to those of you who attended her birthday party. We believe the party was really a venue where Mom could say good-by to the people who shared her life.

Thank you for enriching her life by being her friend. She loved each of you and we love you too.

The Austin family.