Mrs. Mary Ruth Carr Austin, age 68 of Sparta, passed away on Monday, March 9, 2026 at her residence.

Mary was born May 13, 1957 in Sparta, Tennessee to the late William Ed and Betty Jean Rice Carr. As a florist at Unique Designs, her passion was spreading joy to others with her flower arrangements. She enjoyed traveling with her husband all across the country and helping him with his automotive transportation business.  When her health did not allow her to visit friends at the funeral home, she always let families know she was thinking about them by leaving an online condolence. Mary was a friend to many, and "Nana" or "Nana Mary" to a very special few. In addition to her parents, she is also preceded in death by her son Jay Denny; sister Judy Ann Carr Young and husband Jerry; brothers Gene, Sam and Bob Carr.

Surviving family members include her husband Danny Austin

Brother: Doug Carr and wife Denice

Sister: Teresa Hargis

Step-daughter: Jessica Stewart and husband Jeff

Grandchildren: Macey Stewart and Evey Stewart

Special friend: Teresa Hall and her children

Special friend: Susan Kilby

Several nieces and nephews also survive

Funeral services will be conducted 1:00pm Friday, March 13, 2026 from the Chapel of Hunter Funeral Home. In honor of Mary's request, she will be cremated following her funeral service. The family will receive friends after 11:00am Friday at Hunter Funeral Home. Bro. Danny Roberts and Bro. Scott Henderson will officiate.