Maurice L. "Big Moe" Austin

Maurice L. "Big Moe" Austin July 30, 1947 – October 17, 2025 Maurice L. Austin, affectionately known to his friends as "Big Moe," passed away peacefully at Cortland Healthcare on Friday, October 17, 2025, and has gone to his final resting place. Born on July 30, 1947, in Warren, Ohio, to Elmer Charles and Eleanor (Vaughn) Austin, Maurice attended Warren G. Harding High School and continued his education at Youngstown State University. A lover of music, visual arts, and nature, Maurice found joy spending his days at local parks or lakes, often listening to jazz. After surviving a near-fatal car accident that left him disabled, Maurice transformed his life's path. He became a passionate advocate and speaker for Narcotics Anonymous, serving as a Peer Counselor and sponsor to many who were overcoming addiction. His dedication to helping others led him to travel and speak at NA Conventions and correctional facilities across the country. Guided by his favorite scripture, Psalm 70, he was a familiar and beloved sight in his community, often seen in his motorized chair greeting friends and strangers alike. His greatest accomplishment was living more than 30 years of sobriety while navigating life with grace and humor despite his disability. Maurice will be lovingly remembered by his children: Maurice (Gina) Reid of San Antonio, TX; Teressa Austin, Nitra (Jonas) Cunningham, and Areial (Adrian) Favors, all of Warren, OH; Stacey Bryant and DeWitt Austin of Canal Winchester, OH; and Khadeejah Austin of Wilmerding, PA. He also leaves behind Jason "PeeWee" Brown, whom he helped raise and a nephew, Richard(Precious) Caffie, who was like a son; eighteen grandchildren; eleven greatgrandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins-whom he affectionately called his "ugly little monsters." He will also be remembered by his special sisters-in-law, Sylvia and Beverly Austin. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Richard and James Austin; sister Patricia Austin; son Maurice Austin Jr.; granddaughter Zailah Wagner; and great-grandson Kade Dixon. A memorial service will be held on Saturday, November 8, 2025, from 3:00–4:00 p.m. at Shades of Blue (SBPA) Event Center, 1025 N. Belle Vista Ave, Youngstown, OH 44509. Following the service, the family will gather privately for a meal and time of remembrance from 4:30–7:00 p.m. The family would like those who are attending to wear green and gold- to represent his favorite NFL team colors for the Green Bay Packers-or a funny graphic T-shirt in celebration of his joyful sense of humor. Arrangements were entrusted to the L. E. Black, Phillips and Holden Funeral Home. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Maurice L. "Big Moe" Austin, please visit our floral store.