Older Americans - Sharing the Stories of East Texans
Area Agency on Aging of East Texas • June 23, 2021
Cathryn Austin - Panola County
As part of the Area Agency of East Texas’ mission to serve the elderly population, 95-year-old Cathryn Austin of Panola County was gracious enough to share her life story with us.
Mrs. Austin was born and raised in Carthage, where she farmed, raised a family, and is still involved in the community she has come to love.
“Well, I grew up in Carthage, and went to school in Carthage, and worked in Carthage, and married a man out here,” she said.
That man, Truett Austin, and Cathryn had two children, Donna and Don.
“My brother is nine years younger than me, and I was so glad when he came along so he could share in the work,” said Donna Marler, Mrs. Austin’s daughter.
Throughout the years, the family raised livestock, grew vegetables, picked cotton on the family farm that has been in the family since 1917.
Hard work runs in the family and is a cherished value that both Mrs. Austin and Donna hold dear.
Even at 95-years-old, Mrs. Austin is still involved in the community through activities like sewing blankets for hospitals and foster homes and calling family and friends to keep spirits alive.
When asked what advice she would give others, Mrs. Austin said to stay busy.
“Finding out what they can do and see about doing it,” she said. “Just take every day as it comes.”
Assistance is available to find and compare 2027 health and drug plans now.
The Area Agency on Aging of East Texas is partnering with First Christian Church in Jacksonville to offer a free Benefits & Estate Planning Presentation for Seniors and Caregivers. The informative workshop will be held Thursday, September 17, from 10 a.m. to noon at the First Christian Church Sanctuary, 1920 Beaumont Street in Jacksonville. Presented by Paul Zambie, Managing Attorney with Texas Legal Services Center, the session will help attendees better understand legal and planning issues that can affect older adults and their families. Topics will include wills and trusts, deeds, transfer-on-death deeds, long-term care Medicaid, Medicaid estate recovery, and senior services. This free presentation is designed to give seniors and caregivers practical information to help prepare for life’s challenges and make informed decisions about the future. For more information, contact the Area Agency on Aging of East Texas at 903-218-6500 or 1-800-442-8845.
