Bernice Fouts Austin

Bernice Fouts Austin, 91, went home to be with the Lord, on Saturday, June 17, 2023.

Bernice was born March 13, 1932, to the late George and Besse Bower and lived most of her life in the Akron area, graduating from Kenmore High School. Upon finishing business school, Bernice started her career at B.F. Goodrich. She put her career on hold when she married Jerry Fouts and stayed home to raise their children, Lou Mae and Dirk. She took great joy in raising her children and participating in her church community at the Arlington St. Baptist Church. Upon the dissolution of her marriage, Bernice went to work for GenCorp, where she worked for 20+ years and made great friends. Bernice also volunteered at Barberton Citizens Hospital for many years. After retiring, at a class reunion, she became reacquainted with Ray Austin and after a whirlwind courtship, they married in 2004. They enjoyed traveling, visiting family and building a new beautiful home together.

In addition to her parents, Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Ray and her son Dirk. She is survived by her daughter Lou Mae Fouts, and stepdaughters Cheryl Theis (Tim) and Pam Dillon (Lee) and many other loving family and friends.

The family would like to thank the staff at The Inn at CoalRidge for their compassionate care.

Cremation has already taken place. Graveside services will be Wednesday, June 28, 2023 at 10:00 AM at The Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio, 44273, with Pastor Davies officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Haven of Rest Ministries, 175 E. Market St. Akron, Ohio, 44308.