Gracelee Yvonne Austin

Gracelee Yvonne Shuffler, 90, of Carolina Beach, NC, passed away at Lower Cape Fear LifeCare Center in Wilmington, NC on Sunday, October12, 2025. Grace was born November 20, 1934, in Fitzpatrick, West Virginia, to Alvin James Shuffler and Maxine Gracelee Mahoney Shuffler.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother, William A. Shuffler; her sister, Margaret Shuffler Patton; and her former husband, Henry Dwight Austin.

Grace is survived by her sister, Patricia Shuffler McGalliard; her three children, Ronald Austin (Becky Lee Austin), James Austin (Allison Wooten Austin), and Cynthia Austin (David Douglas); her grandchildren, April Austin McKeithan, Fletcher Austin, Jacob Austin, Tyler Edmister (Alex), Kyle Edmister, and Josh Edmister; and her great- grandchildren, Harper McKeithan, Natalie Lee, and Olivia Lee.

Grace was a devoted stay-at-home mother who poured her boundless energy into serving her community and church. She and Dwight moved from Raleigh, NC to Carolina Beach in late1970s, where she became a fixture of civic life there. Her life cannot be fully captured on paper. A small sample of the things she was passionate about included:

• Katie B. Hines Senior Center – President, named Volunteer of the Year, and was a beloved cook who ran the lunch program there.

• Carolina Beach Help Center – President, Board of Directors, and member of the Helping Hands outreach ministry volunteer.

• Carolina Beach Chamber of Commerce – With other members she successfully developed local tourism from the late 1970s through the early 1990s.

• Carolina Beach American Legion Post 129 – Women's Auxiliary Unit.

• Carolina Beach Presbyterian Church – Long-time member and supporter.

• Girls State – Mentor with the American Legion Women's Auxiliary’s program for high school juniors.

• Environmental Advocacy – Instrumental in leading efforts to stop a landfill from being built in Carolina Beach in the 1970s.

In addition to her dedication to community service, she will be remembered for her generous heart, her incredible sewing talent, the shark she caught off Center Pier, and her legendary green beans — which, as everyone knows, you do not stir Grace’s green beans.

Though no obituary can capture her full spirit, Grace’s love and influence will remain in the hearts of her family and friends forever.

Grace’s life and legacy will be celebrated in a private family service.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Lower Cape Fear LifeCare (formally known as Lower Cape Fear Hospice). The family wishes to extend heartfelt thanks to Hospice staff for their tenderness, loving care and support of mom, as well as the entire family.

Tranquility Cremation by Aquamation 2209 Delaney Ave Wilmington NC 28403