Lorene Deloris Hanks Autry

August 13, 1926 – September 12, 2019

Lorene Autry, age 93, of Birmingham died peacefully and surrounded by family on Thursday, September 12, 2019.

Mrs. Autry was active in her community as a member of Sandusky United Methodist Church, Crumly Chapel United Methodist Church, the Hilltoppers at Vestavia United Methodist Church and the Senior Ministries at the Cathedral Church of the Advent. She graduated from Ensley High School and Auburn University.  After retiring from a thirty-five-year career at International Harvester, she worked at Cobb Travel for an additional fifteen years where she had the opportunity to travel the world.  Unable to sit idle, she then worked at American Greeting Cards up until a year before her death. Mrs. Autry loved traveling, working, and reading, but more than anything, cherished her family. She generously cared for numerous family members throughout her lifetime, and later in life, wanted nothing more than to be with her great grandchildren.  Mrs. Autry fearlessly lived a life of kindness and giving, especially to those who called her "Momkins."

She is preceded in death by her husband of seventy-two years, Ezra Lewis Autry; parents, Essie Mae Jones and Sheppard Hanks; sister, Mickey Ronilo; and brothers, Lonnie Hanks, Hubert Hanks, and Jim Hanks.

She is survived by her daughter, Judy Autry DeWitt (Dr. William); granddaughters, Kellie DeWitt Templin (Russell), Kandace Brooke DeWitt DeBolt (Dr. Seth), and Krista DeWitt Wood (Jordan); grandsons, John DeWitt (Lisa) and Robert Daniel DeWitt (Leigh); thirteen beloved great grandchildren. Mailande and Jack DeWitt, Jake and Brax Templin, Harper and Deklan DeWitt, Silas, Brooks, Emmett and Theo DeBolt and Tessa, Malcolm and Simon Wood;  nephews, Steven Ronilo, Coy Autry and Jimmy Autry; and niece, Susan Stein (Barker).

Her family wishes to thank Cynthia Goodman, whose loving care and kindness made the end gentler for us all.

The Celebration of Life service will be held at the Cathedral Church of the Advent on Saturday, September 14 ^, 2019 at 1:30 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions be made to the Cathedral Church of the Advent Pastoral Care.