Josephine  R. Austin, age 90, of Bartow, FL, died Tuesday, September 14, 2021, at home. She was a member of First Baptist Hilltop in Frostproof, FL.

She was a former educator, role model, mentor and Hall of Fame Basketball Coach. She was often referred to as the dean of girls high school coaches in Polk County. She coached at Winter Haven High School and played a major role in the development and changes in high school athletics for girls, fighting to bring girls basketball back to high school. She was inducted into the Polk County Sports Hall of Fame in 2018.

She is survived by One Daughter: Pamela (Louis) Burgess, Lakeland, FL; Two Sons: James (Nancy) P. Austin, Bartow, FL,
Marlon (Angie) Austin, Lakeland, FL; and One Brother: Clarence Rollerson, East Vale, CA.

Viewing will take place at Gause Funeral Home, 625 S. Holland Parkway, Bartow, FL from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, September 17, 2021.  Funeral service will be at Wildwood Cemetery at 10:00 AM, Saturday, September 18, 2021. All persons attending the services must wear a face mask.