Laura "MaDeah" Austin

Laura Evelyn Brown Goins Austin, a native of Forest Hill, Louisiana, was born "Pocahontas (Pokey) Blueeye" on January 10, 1929, near Mamou, La., to Loney Blueeye. She was raised by Millie Jackson. Laura was baptized at an early age; afterward, she joined First Union Baptist Church where she was a faithful member for more than 75 years. She served the church in numerous capacities until her health declined. Laura was the matriarch of her family. She devoted her life to her children by teaching them the importance of honoring God in their lives, to have a strong work ethic, and she lead by example. She had a true servant's heart, and spent her life working and serving to help others. Aside from working and caring for her children, MaDeah enjoyed gardening, fishing, and sewing. Laura departed this life on January 7, 2018, at Our Lady of the Lake Regional Medical Center in Baton Rouge, La., surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Gussie Goins. Her memory will be cherished by many to include her children: Betty Lewis (Barry); Charles Goins Jr. (Maime); Leona Jones; Nina Tunzi (Richard); Carl Goins (June); Donell Goins (Ophelia); Debra Chavez; Frances Brown; Earlean Brown; Anthony Brown (Trudy); Evelyn Keller (Darrell); and Jocelyn Renea Austin-Duffin (Morise Jr.); as well as 21 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchildren. Others cherishing her memory include a faithful cousin who was more like a sister, Nancy Thibodeaux; her cousin, Gary Thibodeaux, who was more like a son. Other extended family members and devoted friends include Randy Thibodeaux, Emma Deville, Lucille Victorian, Silas Smith, and Clara Bell Ford. In lieu of flowers, the family request that donations be made to the American Heart Association or Mary Bird Perkins Cancer Center. Services will be held at noon on January 13, 2018, at First Union Baptist Church in Glenmora, La.