John Andrew Austin Sr.

John Andrew Austin, Sr.

July 7, 1939 - February 13, 2026

John Andrew Austin Sr. was born July 7th, 1939, in Tuskegee Alabama to Will and Alga Mae Austin who preceded him in death.

He was called home to be with the Lord on February 13th, 2026.

John Austin moved to Los Angeles from Alabama in 1957. His ambition to become a movie star was immediately sidelined when he dedicated his life to Christ. That decision to serve the Lord led him to meet the love of his life, Mary while attending New Jerusalem Church of God in Christ in Los Angeles. After 7 days of courtship, they married December 31st, 1964. They remained husband and wife until Mary went home to be with the Lord July 2nd 2018.

They began their journey to serve the Lord and remained devoted until they were called to rest with Jesus.

John was ordained as an Elder and Evangelist and traveled around the country teaching and preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ. He ran revivals for a host of pastors and churches from New York to Albuquerque New Mexico. Many souls were saved, and lives changed through his ministry. When he wasn't on the battlefield for God, he and Mary were creating other milestones.

Elder and Missionary Austin quickly began to add to the number of humans on the planet. She gave birth to Tony Austin, who went home to be with the Lord in 1971. Theresa and Jackie would successively made their back to back arrivals in 1966 and 1967. Still determined to keep Pampers in business, she gave birth to John Jr. in 1969. Lastly they decided enough is enough, and Esther Austin finished their baby marathon in 1972.

Elder Austin was not only just a trailblazer in the Gospel, but he was also a visionary and entrepreneur. He started a residential and commercial cleaning business in the mid 70s. After the success of this business, he went on to his next venture, Austin Transportation and later Austin Express. He was the first Black man to start a transportation service with a contract from the state of California providing travel for students and adults with special needs. Over a decade, he provided transportation for the Special Olympics with his wife handling business operations.

Austin Express was birthed from the success of Austin Transportation. Elder Austin purchased his own fleet of school buses including 2 MC9 Charter buses holding up to 50 plus passengers. He would drive groups to Las Vegas, the Grand Canyon, Big Bear and provide travel for numerous events throughout California. When he wasn't working, he would be in the pulpit or on the road preaching the Word of God.

Elder Austin was a devoted husband, father, counselor, comedian, theologian. His greatest achievement was legacy as a powerful Evangelist who loved the Lord with his whole heart. He studied and proclaimed the Word of God, and it guided his steps each and everyday until the Lord called him home.

He never met a stranger. His smile was infectious, and he had a way of telling stories that one would never forget. His roaring laugh was contagious. He would always tell say….."be prayerful and be watchful" when someone would leave. He would end every phone conversation with "I'm as close as your phone". He loved sharing the love of Christ and the steps to salvation everywhere and with everyone.

Elder Austin loved his family, not just his biological family, but extended church family and friends. He was punctual, always the first person at church, excited for Sunday School, worship service, Bible study and prayer. He was dedicated and faithful until his last breath of "Yes Lord!"

Elder Austin was preceded in death by Will and Alga Mae Austin (parents), Mary Frances Austin (wife), Toni Austin (daughter), Jackie Austin (daughter), George Austin (brother).

He leaves to cherish his memories, Kenneth Austin (son), Berlinda Daniels (daughter) Theresa Stovall (daughter) (Darrell); John Austin Jr. (son); Esther Austin Bedell (daughter) (Chad)

Roger Austin (brother); Bay Austin (brother); Betty Jean Delaney (sister); Sonny Austin (brother) and a host of great – grandchildren, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and friends.