Margaret Eleanor Austin was born to the union of Henry and Lola Hite on September 23, 1951, in Little Rock, Arkansas. She was their youngest daughter. At a young age she dedicated her life to Christ and fellowshipped at Coleman Chapel AME Zion in Little Rock, Arkansas and later in life at Grace Evangelical Baptist Church in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

After graduating from Horace Mann High School in 1970. She went on to study social work at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. In that same year, she met her husband, and they wed in 1971 at Trapnall Hall in Little Rock, Arkansas.

They shared many treasured moments from living in the married dorm, where they began hosting and cooking for college friends, a precursor to later restaurant endeavors. They also enjoyed traveling with friends and family and being active members of their church. The greatest adventure of her life began when she and husband Alfred Lee Austin moved to Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Together, they built a beautiful life, rooted in mutual devotion and shared dreams. Their love flourished, and they raised two amazing daughters, Detria Everson and Emberly Banning, born to this union who are a testament to their mother's strength, grace, and loving guidance. Margaret Austin was also blessed with the love of two bonus children Ann Wilson and Kelvin Miller. Her family was her absolute priority—but extended effortlessly to everyone she met, leaving a trail of kindness wherever she went. She was a devoted wife, beloved mother, adoring sister, cherished aunt, and loyal friend.

With a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, Margaret and Alfred poured their energy and love into creating and running several restaurants (Burger Barn, Lynette’s Fried Chicken and Fish and most notably the currently operated Granny’s Kitchen).These weren't just establishments; they were community hubs where everyone was welcomed, and where the simple act of sharing a meal became a moment of shared joy, truly feeding the body and the soul of their patrons. Margaret escorted her daughters in their first business, Michelle’s Fancy Feet. She was never out front but always the wind beneath their wings.

In her professional life, Margaret possessed a heart that was both fiercely determined and infinitely tender. Her professional passion was her work as a Social Worker, Adoption Specialist and Jefferson County Supervisor in the Arkansas Department of Human Services in the Division of Children and Family Services. She was the unwavering champion for children in need, fighting for their safety and dignity. She believed deeply in the power of family, and through her tireless efforts, she personally guided countless children into the loving arms of their forever families. This work was the purest expression of her deep commitment to humanity.

Margaret has left a void that can never be filled, but a beautiful legacy that will forever warm our souls. She is held forever in the heart of her loving husband, Alfred Austin; her precious daughters, Detria Everson (Eddie) and Emberly Banning (Christopher); bonus children Ann Wilson (Corey) and Kelvin Miller; and her adored grandchildren, Sage Banning, Sebastian Banning, Gavin Banning, Blake Banning, Corey Wilson, Jr., Kelsey Gray, Randy Mills, and Crystal Rivers (with great-grandchildren Aubree Rivers and Cornilious Hill, Jr.), Chasity Banning, Kory Graham (with great-grandchild Estelle Graham), and Dorion Banning. She is also cherished by her dear siblings, Robert Jackson (Ruth), Diane Campbell, and Dwight Hite (Shirley); a wide circle of nieces, nephews, and cousins; godchildren Elaina Buckner and Hillary (Joi) Jones; and friends who were all treated like family.

Margaret is proceeded in death by her parents, Henry Hite Sr. and Lola Mae Hite, and brother James E. Houston.

The family suggests that in lieu of flowers, you honor her commitment to children by donating to help establish the inaugural Margaret Eleanor Austin Scholarship Fund to support students following in her footsteps and becoming the next generation of social workers with high Human Intelligence.

Send to someone

Share this obituary with others

https://everloved.com/life-of/margaret-eleanor-austin/obituary/

Copy