Early Saturday, March 22nd, Erma Jean Grooms Austin (83) passed away at Wendover Hospice House. She was one of 9 children born to Levi and Ruby Grooms. She grew up in Summerville, SC and was a graduate of Summerville High School. In 1959 she married the love of her life David (Sonny) Austin from Monks Corner, SC. They began their life together and moved to Cleveland County, NC!

She was a wonderful stay at home mom while her children were growing up. Providing a loving and nurturing home not only to her kids but their friends as well! Later in life she began working first at L & K Manufacturing and then Stouffer's in Gaffney, SC where she stayed for over 20 years. Erma loved to travel and spent many wonderful years traveling with Sonny, their kids and families making the best memories! She was the best "MawMaw" to her three precious grandchildren Ansley, Trever and Andrew. When they were growing up she loved attending their dance recitals, motocross and sporting events to cheer them on.

She was preceded in death by her parents Levi and Ruby Grooms, daughter, Cindy (Sis) Austin, and four sisters and a brother.

She is survived by her adoring husband of 65 years Sonny Austin, son Jerry Austin (Shelley), daughter Sheila Austin Hamrick (Scott); grandchildren Ansley Hamrick Gibson, Trever Austin and Andrew Hamrick (Hanna) and great grandchildren Kennedy Austin, Khloe Hamrick and Khole Hamrick. Also left to cherish her memory are step grandchildren Cy and Walker Lowery and step great grandchild Dakota Lowery. She is also survived by 2 sisters and a brother along with her special Godchild Ashley Huggins and her son Dillon.

The family would like to thank her caregiver Saylor Johnson and the wonderful caregivers at Hospice for all of their love, care and support.

The family will have a celebration of life service at 5:00 pm on Thursday, March, 27th in the Chapel at Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home with receiving of friends following the ceremony.

Online condolences may be made at www.cecilmburtonfuneralhome.com

Cecil M. Burton Funeral Home & Crematory is serving the family.