Clotus Yolanda Austin

Clotus Yolanda Austin, was born Clotus Yolanda McGee at Los Angeles County General Hospital in August 1951. The death of her mother, Augustine "Nellie" Garner Jackson after complications from childbirth, compelled Clotus' grandmother Rosetta Richardson to bring both Clotus and her sister Sandra into her care.
After Rosetta's passing on December 30, 1957, Rosetta's son Thomas Garner and his wife Vivian Garner took custody of both girls. Tom and Vivian officially adopted Clotus and Sandra in July 1959, creating a loving and stable family home along with their two children, Robert and Yvonne.
The Garner family embraced Clotus and Sandra as their own, and the girls forever had a mom & dad who adored them, and siblings to fight with, love on, grow up together and never be apart from.
The Garners raised their family within the San Fernando Valley, settling into the small community of Pacoima, California. Clotus' school life began at Pacoima Elementary School in 1956. She was a bright student and an avid reader. Growing up, Clotus was always active: singing, acting and dancing.
As one of her late and wonderful best friends, Brenda Chappelle, would say when asked decades later by Clotus' children about their mom's youthful talent as a child, "Clotus wanted to do it all!"
Clotus and Philip K. Robinson first met while attending Maclay Junior High School in 1964. They had their first date after attending their Jr. High School Reunion in 1968.
Clotus attended San Fernando High School in 1966. Clotus loved to sow and make her own clothes. One of her first jobs while in high school was working for JC Penny as a seamstress. Clotus and Philip graduated from the same class in June of 1969. The young couple got engaged that summer.
Clotus McGee and Philip Robinson were married at Parks Chapel in December of 1970, before they moved to Boston, Massachusetts. While living in Cambridge, with Philip attending Harvard University, Clotus and Philip had their only child together, Christopher in November 1971.
After moving back to California in 1972, the couple separated irreconcilably, but mutually friendly a year later. Clotus remained close to the Robinsons, and the family matriarch in particular, Margaret "Peggy" Robinson who loved Clotus very much, throughout the rest of her life.
Clotus also stayed close to her family and friends with BBQ's, house parties, Hollywood nights going to the movies, dancing or rollerskating. Most of the time, with her little boy always within reach, surrounded by the loved ones Clotus trusted most implicidly.
For the next decade as a single mother, Clotus worked at many jobs to make ends meet, including: Working with the Democratic National Convention as an activist. Working for the Screen Actors Guild as a receptionist. Working with an executive at NBC/ Universal. Singing with an R&B group as a studio musician. Working in advertising at the Los Angeles Daily News.
In 1982, two major events happened in Clotus' life: She had her second child, Andrea in January. Later that March, Clotus met and fell in love with the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Martin Austin Jr.
On July 30, 1983, Clotus Robinson and Martin Austin Jr. were married at Parks Chapel AME by Rev Robert Ned.
In November of 1985, the Austins moved their family to the Antelope Valley, just four months before the birth of their son, Robert in March 1986.
Both Clotus and Martin dedicated themselves to service within the AME church, joining Holy Trinity of Palmdale, California in 1990.
Clotus transitioned into her first career job in the AV, working 16 years as a county assessor in the Los Angeles County Assessors Office in Lancaster, California.
Clotus also worked as a personal tax professional, as well as a seasoned tax professional and office manager for H&R Block, serving her community for 25 years within the Antelope Valley.
Clotus' dedicated life-time service to the AME church and Jesus Christ led her to become an Evangelist with St. John Holy Trinity in 2014.
After the passing of her husband Martin in 2022, Clotus stayed close to her children and grandchildren while continuing to serve as a member of St. John Holy Trinity until her passing.
Clotus' legacy of love and kindness to her family, and service to her church community will always be remembered.
Her memory has been passed on to her surviving Children: Christopher Michael Robinson, Andrea Michelle Ross, her husband Phillip Ross and Robert Thomas Austin.
Grandchildren: Kaelyn Abbigayle Robinson, Oliver Quinn Robinson, Presley Josephine Robinson, Layla Imani Ross and McKenzie Austin.
Brother and Sisters: Sandra Mclaughlin, Yvonne Jones and her husband Peter Jones. Niece and Nephews: Darren McLaughlin, Aaron McLaughlin, Raymond McLaughlin Jr., Kevin McLaughlin, Donald Jones, John Jones, Peter Jones Jr., Andre Robinson and Venisha Robinson.
Close friends: Debra "Suzy" Houser, Jacqueline Atkins, Madeline Ballard, Shari Hunter and Teresa Spire.
Church Sisters: Stephanie Guy, Jane VanZant, Phyllis Dallas, Sandra McGill and Elaine Mosley-Stokes.
The Robinson Family, The Austin Family, The McLaughlin family and The Jones family, along with everyone, family and friends alike who had ever come to know and love the amazing woman that Clotus Yolanda Austin was
We give thanks and praise to God, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, for our time with her. We will forever cherish the memories we have and will always hold Clotus close to our hearts and minds.
Special Thanks: To Philip Robinson, Victor Robinson, Da'Nisha McCall, Doreen Bookrum, Van White for their donations to the family and for their time, love and support.
To St. John Holy Trinity and the Women's Missionary Society, Grant AME Los Angeles, Primm Tabernacle AME Seattle, Halley-Olsen Murphy Funeral Services and Living Stone Cathedral for their dedicated service, time and effort, love, support and prayers to the family during this time of mourning, remembrance and praise to God.
We love you and we thank you.