Dessie Stracener, 95 of Austin, passed away June 19, 2016. She was born April 21, 1921 in Beebe to the late Willie Max Mathis and Myrtle Rongy Mathis.

She is preceded in death by her parents Willie and Myrtle Mathis; husband Howard Stracener; daughter Shirley Ann and son Bobby Stracener, Sr.

She leaves behind to carry on her legacy of love, her daughter Dessie (Jason) Pearl of Beebe; 2 brothers Charles Mathis and Malvin Mathis; three grandchildren and one great-grandchild; great-great-grandchildren and many other family members and friends.

Dessie loved to garden vegetables and flowers, going fishing and cooking on her old wood cook stove. She enjoyed loving on and spending time with her family and friends above all. Dessie's grandchildren brought much joy to her heart and she would laugh for hours watching them play.

Visitation will be held Thursday, June 23, 2016 5PM – 7PM at the funeral home. Graveside services will be held 10:00 a.m. Friday, June 24, 2016 at Brownsville Cemetery in Lonoke.