Mary Lee Austin

Those who walk uprightly enter into peace: they find rest as they lie in death. Isaiah 57:2 Mary Lee Randolph-Austin was born on November 18, 1921 in Richmond, Virginia to the late Nathaniel Randolph and Clara Thomas. She was preceded in death by her husband, Charles Linwood Austin, Sr.; granddaughter, Mishell Rena Sauls-Barber; devoted God-daughter, Roberta Brown Leecost; great grandson, Joshua Leon Jacks; along with five sisters and three brothers. Mary Lee Austin accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age and was united with Fourth Baptist Church. She later transferred her membership to Bethlehem Baptist Church where she remained a faithful member for over 60 years and became the “Church Mother”. She loved her church family and faithfully attended the James Eddie Stevens Church School Class. Living for God is how she walked and talked. Mary was united in holy matrimony to Charles Linwood Austin on November 1, 1944 in Richmond, Virginia. Their union was blessed with three children. She retired as a domestic homemaker and enjoyed her church family. She also enjoyed being with her family, watching her westerns on television, listening to gospel, dancing, playing her tambourine and socializing. Mary also loved to garden in the yard. She made sure that she did the trimming herself. Her best traits included a strong sense of independence, gratitude for simple pleasures in life, knowing the importance of friendship, and living with spiritual purpose. She welcomed all occasions to share her blessings with others. Mary was devoted to her family and loved them in her own special way. She encouraged her children to walk in unity and never forget where they came from. Early Sunday morning, January 2, 2022, God entered her room and called her home to step into the Kingdom of eternal life. She leaves to cherish her memory to Lena Mae Austin-Sauls (Leon), Charles Linwood Austin, Jr. (Brenda); Robert Austin (Delores); grandchildren, Cynthia Denise Sauls-Gaines (Frankie), Pamela Foxworth-Gaines, Leon Isaac Sauls, Jr. (Renita), Charles Linwood Austin, III (Becky), Angela Marie Austin, Elkee Sabrina Sauls; numerous great-grandchildren; great great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives and friends. “What we once enjoyed and deeply loved we can never lose, for all that we love deeply becomes part of us.”

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Mary Lee Austin

November 18, 1921 - January 2, 2022