Helen Evonne Austin

RICEBORO, Ga. -- A life well-lived through loving, learning and enjoying family and friends.
Helen Evonne Austin was born in Riceboro, Georgia, on November 8, 1946, to the union of Robert N. Austin and Eldora West Austin. She was the sixth of nine children, the youngest of three girls. The siblings often joked that they didn't have much, but had an abundance of love. This love fueled the siblings with unparalleled drive, determination, resilience and a spirit of perseverance.
She was baptized by the late Rev. Manny Butler and she, along with sisters, Brenda and Betty (always a threesome), always provided steadfast service to their church home.
Her appreciation of education and learning began as a young child, attending Riceboro Elementary. Her love of learning continued through high school, where she graduated with honors from Liberty County High School in 1964.
Helen was a voracious reader and had a fantastic memory, with a vast knowledge of sports and music -- especially jazz -- as well as in a host of other areas. Her sisters always joked that the family would have been rich if she only competed on the "Jeopardy" television program.
When her high school education was completed, she relocated to Bronx, New York, and attended an urban league-sponsored program, which led to employment in the printing profession until 1995 when she was hired by Mobil Oil Corporation. She worked at Mobil in New York from 1973 to 1985, at which time she was transferred to the Mobil Oil headquarters in Virginia and subsequently retired in 1995.
She then returned to Riceboro and was hired by the Coastal Courier, retiring from there in 2011.
Helen believed in community enrichment and service and preservation of local history. She volunteered at the Dorchester Museum and the "Walk to Dorchester" for 25 years. At First Zion, she was committed to working with the youth through Sunday school activities such as "Holyween" and Christmas caroling. She was also a participating member of the First Zion "Senior Saints".
On Wednesday at 11:33 a.m., December 11, 2024, Helen passed away peacefully at St. Joseph's Hospital in Savannah, Georgia.
She was preceded in death by her father, Robert Austin; her mother, Eldora Austin; her older brother, Ronald Austin; and her sister, Brenda Austin.
She leaves to share her memories, appreciation and love for her beautiful and well-lived life: Robert N. (Maxine) Austin of Windsor, Conn.; William T. (Charmayne) Austin of Riceboro, Ga.; Betty J. (Clarence) McCray of Hinesville, Ga.; Carl D. (Barbara) E. Hartford, Conn.; Norman G. (Earlene) Austin of Hartford, Conn.; and Warren C. Austin; and one sister-in-law, Dorothy J. Austin. She also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends to appreciate the life that she so selflessly shared with us all.

Coastal Courier
(Hinesville, Ga.)
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
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