Mary Austin Mitchem, 72, of Princeton, died suddenly Monday, May 16, 2022, at Giles Memorial Hospital in Pearisburg, VA. Born August 9, 1949, in Princeton, she was the daughter of the late Emory Pettry and Mary Opal Whittaker Pettry. She was educated in Mercer County and had retired from Tomchins Furniture Company and later worked at Southern Highlands in Princeton. More than anything, Mary loved her family and especially her grandson. In addition to her parents, she was preceded by two siblings, Sonny Pettry and Jane Wood. Survivors include her husband of 40 years, Howard C. Mitchem; Son, Geronimo Jerome Austin and fiancé Lacey Shepherd; Grandson, Jacob Austin; Three siblings, Marie Crews, Barbara Neal and Betty Moore. The family has honored her wishes, she has been cremated and no services. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com . The Mitchem family is being served by the Memorial Funeral Directory and Cremation Center on the Athens Road in Princeton.