Barbara Jean Austin Hampton, 77, of Crystal River, returned to her Heavenly Father on Monday, July 18, 2016 at Seven Rivers Regional Medical Center, Crystal River, after a valiant and extended illness. The daughter of Oscar Burnam and Mary Austin, she was born on Sunday, December 25, 1938 in St. Augustine, FL. During her early years she resided in Palatka and was educated in Putnam County at Central Academy High School. As the eldest of six children, Barbara assumed motherly responsibilities for her younger siblings when their mother became unable to do so. To sustain her family, she was employed as an apprentice laundry laborer at Gem City Cleaners, Palatka and attended vocational classes at night. Barbara acquired seamstress training and was promoted master seamstress and subsequently senior fabric steam presser for alterations and design. On March 26, 1960, she united in marriage to her best friend and love of her life, Herbert Lee Hampton.

Barbara was blessed with a doting husband and two loving children whom she raised with patience, discipline and humility. She was a devoted member of Crystal River Church of God. In 2006, Herbert & Barbara were honored as Citrus County Democratic Party Man & Woman of the Year. Together, they were civic activists in Crystal River, credited with organizing the local Martin Luther King, Jr., Celebration. Barbara was a "doer" and was affiliated with the Civitan Club, Code Enforcement Board, and also served as Coordinator of the Eveready Club. She was kind and outspoken and she always had time to answer a question, solve a problem, or help a friend, no matter the task. She was immersed in the Christian community and because of her firm belief in God and devotion to her family, she was able to find peace with her Creator from all of her struggles.

In addition to her parents, Barbara was preceded in eternal rest by her brothers, Nathaniel Austin and Johnny O'Bryant.

She leaves to cherish her precious memories: devoted husband of 56 years, Herbert Lee Hampton; son, LaShawn (Teasha) Hampton; daughter, Komeika Hampton-Chiles; five grandchildren, Noah, Mia, Alaina, and Kameron Hampton, Tamara Chiles; brother, Eugene (Sherline) Austin; sisters, Mamie (Curtis) Lynch, Jannette (Anthony) Steward; brothers-in-law, John (Kim) Hampton, Ray Hampton; sisters-in-law, Emma Brown, Rose Vickers; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Visitation of family and friends will be Saturday, July 30, from 2-3 p.m., with Homegoing Celebration commencing at 3 p.m. at Crystal River Church of God, 2180 NW 12th Avenue, Crystal River, FL., Pastor Ronnie Reid, officiating. Interment will be 10 a.m., Monday, August 1, in the Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell.