Mercedes Lynn Austin was granted her angel wings on January 14th 2016. Leading up to her passing at home, she was diagnosed in December 2015, with Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Stage II Cancer. In her final days, Mercedes was awaiting a cure. Her faith was promising, her strength was of a greater purpose and she envisioned in due time, she would be a survivor.
Although she didn’t get to see the beauty in growing old, fourteen youthful years of her free-spirit impacted those she touched around her. Mercedes’ understanding of unconditional love came from within her pure beautiful soul. She was nice to all, filled with happiness, deeply caring and a compassionate person who enjoyed life and being around people. She had a vivacious smile that could fill you with joy. Her affection was so present, it found a way of attracting your soul and in a sense making one feel complete.
Mercedes’ illness was so sudden, her curiosity; of what would be her last few remaining weeks in life kept her fighting to dig for answers. In all of her confusion, she trusted overcoming the odds. She managed to stream sun rays of positivity throughout her battle with cancer. There’s many memories of her dancing, and singing along with her iPad. She loved doing puzzles, word searches with mom, riding her bike with her cousins, swimming and visiting with animals. She loved dressing up as a princess and going to sleepovers.
Since preschool Mercedes was always eager for school days, she attended Sunflower Elementary School. After graduating from there, she went on to South Middle School where she completed eighth grade. She enjoyed riding the school bus, school staff and students, and had a special bond with the students in her class.
She was born on October 19th 2001, in Pasadena, Texas. Raised in Lawrence, Kansas. She is survived by her loving mother Stephanie Lynn Austin; brother Cedric Austin; sister Shiandra Austin; brother Tyson Austin; sister Brittney Austin; brother Dominique Austin; two nieces and three nephews.
With her passing over, leaves opportunity to create lasting memories, to latch onto one another for courage, maintain a meaningful life and a path of direction for living our own life when we reflect of the past.
Graveside service will be held Friday January 22, 2016, at 11am at Oak Hill Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday January 21, 2016, from 6-7pm, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home. Friends may call from 9am-6pm Thursday at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Mercedes Austin Memorial Fund, sent in care of Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, PO Box 1260, Lawrence, Kansas, 66044.
