Shasta Anita Autrey

It is with heavy hearts and profound gratitude for a life beautifully lived that we announce the passing of Shasta Anita "Anita" Autrey, who left this world on July 4, 2026, at the age of 71. Anita departed peacefully, surrounded by the love and presence of her cherished family, after bravely battling chronic illness at her home in Maud, Texas. Born on September 5, 1954, in Ashdown, Arkansas, Anita was the beloved daughter of George Harlow Tong and Patricia Ruth Reed Tong. As the daughter of an Air Force serviceman, Anita's early years were filled with diverse experiences as she lived in England, California, Washington, New York, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Texas, and Louisiana. These travels instilled in her a deep appreciation for people from all walks of life and fueled a lifelong passion for embracing different cultures and backgrounds. In 1995, Anita found the love of her life in Donald Wayne Autrey. Their connection flourished into a deep and enduring love, culminating in marriage in 2014. Together, they shared a union characterized by faith, devotion, and an unwavering commitment to one another—a testament to their enduring bond. Anita's professional journey was wide-ranging and purposeful. From her roles at Penny's, Family Dollar, Bayless Telephone Company, to her time at Lone Star Army Ammunition Plant, and her most fulfilling work in home health care, Anita left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. Her dedication to nurturing young minds was evident during her years as a substitute teacher at Hooks Elementary School, where she made a difference in the lives of many students. A woman of immense generosity, Anita's heart knew no bounds. She was an active supporter of charitable organizations such as the Shriners, The Salvation Army, and the Wounded Warrior Project. Her acts of kindness extended beyond organizations, as she often helped individuals in need, once taking an extra job to assist a family with medication expenses. Anita's faith was the cornerstone of her life. A devout follower of Jesus Christ, she served as a beloved Sunday School teacher at Rose Hill Baptist Church, where she cherished her church family and found immense joy in studying the Bible and imparting her wisdom to others. Her thirst for knowledge was insatiable, and her ability to encourage those around her was a testament to her nurturing spirit. Among her many passions, Anita found solace and delight in reading, gardening, cooking, crocheting, knitting, solving number puzzles, and engaging in spirited games of Scrabble. She reveled in the beauty of thunderstorms, cherished travels to Yellowstone National Park and mountainous regions, and treasured every moment spent with her grandchildren, always crafting special memories wrapped in love. Anita's resilience was exemplified in her health journey. In 2019, she faced a serious illness and underwent a lung transplant on November 6, 2020, at Baylor University Medical Center. Her determination saw her through recovery, though earlier this year her body began rejecting the transplanted lung. Despite these challenges, Anita's steadfast faith and inspirational presence touched all who knew her. Anita leaves behind a loving family who will cherish her memory forever: her devoted husband, Donald Wayne Autrey; her daughter, April Michelle Morgan and husband Thomas Verreault; her sons, Mitchell Wayne Heath, Patrick Scott Heath, and William Elvin Autrey and wife Simone Autrey. She was a proud grandmother to eight grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. She joins her great-grandchild, Brenleigh Heath, in eternal peace. Anita is also survived by her brother, Isaac Tong, and her sisters, Nancy Tong and Beth Billingsley, who will forever hold her in their hearts. Her legacy is one of unwavering faith, generosity, perseverance, and unconditional love. Her family finds solace in the scripture she lived by: "Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." — Matthew 11:28 (KJV). Anita's journey has led her to the eternal embrace of her Savior, where she now rests in perfect peace. Services to honor and celebrate Anita's life will be held on July 11, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at OakRidge Missionary Baptist Church, 5423 FM 2624, Maud, TX 75567. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations be made in Anita's memory to any of the charitable organizations she so passionately supported, including the Shriners, The Salvation Army, or the Wounded Warrior Project. Anita was deeply loved and will be profoundly missed by her family, her church family, and countless friends until they are reunited with her in the Lord's presence.