Anna Austeen (Hughes) James "Teen"

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our cherished Anna Austeen (Hughes) James "Teen".

Anna Austeen James, 74, of Wheatfield, IN, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, December 16, 2025 at 2:00 pm.

Anna was born on June 29, 1951 in Fairbury, IL, to Austin and Irene Hughes. She grew up in Chatsworth, IL, where she graduated from Chatsworth High School, class of 1969. Anna received her associates degree from Winston Churchill Jr. College in 1971.

Anna moved to Northwest Indiana in 1974, where she met and married her husband, Waylen, on March 19, 1976.

Anna held many jobs and positions in her life. Some of her most treasured are the ones spent as editor for the Chatsworth Plaindealer Newspaper, coordinator of parents/volunteers/S.S. for Lake Ridge Headstart, treasurer, and board member for the Black Oak Little League, member of Southern Grace Gospel Group, and her years as a clerk in the central forwarding section of the United States Postal Service.

Anna is preceded in death by her parents, mother, and father-in-law, LC and Bonnie James, brothers, JW Hughes, Murrell Hughes, Rodger Masden, and Tony Masden. Sisters, Dixie Lewis, and VaRetta James. Several sisters and brothers-in-law, and several nephews and nieces.

Those left to cherish her memories include her husband of 49 years, Waylen James of Wheatfield, Christopher (Marastella) James of Kouts, Joshua (Lisa) James of Wheatfield. Grandchildren, Max (Brittany) Miller, Amber James, Joshua James (Leah), Doug Watkins, Ryne James, Anna Watkins, and Kody James. Two great-grandchildren, Kace and Walker-Beau. Sisters Andrea Lewis of Winfield, AL, Renda McDonald of Onarga, IL, and Vinell (Efrain) Miranda of Muncie, IN. Brothers-in-law, Wayne (Linda) James of Hobart, IN, and Johnny (Frank) James of Ohio. Numerous nieces, nephews, friends, and other family.

Austeen "Teen" as she was affectionately known, was a shining light in the lives of all who knew her. Her journey on this earth was one marked by love, compassion, and faith in God. Her passing has left a void in the hearts of family, friends, and many more whose lives were touched by her. Teen could always be counted on to pray for others, cook a meal to share with neighbors, family, those in need, or to offer a helping hand in any way she could. Those who knew Teen will remember her for her infectious smile, laughter, deep-rooted faith in Jesus, and her commitment to spreading love, kindness, and the word of God. Teen was a member, most recently, of Jasper County Baptist Church.

Austeen loved reading, listening to music, singing, talking on the phone, going to church, and spending time with family and friends.

Visitation will be held Monday, December 22, 2025 at Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 8941 Kleinman Rd (one block south of Ridge Rd) Highland, IN, 46322 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Service will be held Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at 9:00 am at the funeral home. Interment to follow at Chapel Lawn Memorial Gardens, Crown Point, IN.

For additional information, please contact Hillside Funeral Home & Cremation Center Konnie Kuiper - Michael Kuiper-Vass by calling us at 219-838-0800 or visiting us at www.hillsidefhcares.com

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