Shirley Lillian Austin

On Wednesday, August 13, 2025, an Angel of Mercy silently and peacefully came into our midst and gave our beloved mother, aunt, grandmother, great grandmother, great-great grandmother, cousin, and friend eternal rest.

Shirley Lillian Austin was born on June 15, 1930, to the late James and Margaret Staten in Portsmouth, Virginia. She was a member of Emmanuel A.M.E. Church for more than 70 years and served as a member of the Optimist Club. Shirley was educated in the Portsmouth Public School system and graduated from I.C. Norcom High School, home of the mighty Greyhounds.

Shirley loved crossword puzzles and word searches to keep her mind sharp. She also enjoyed attending church, watching soap operas and sitcoms with her grandchildren, and sitting on her porch in the company of friends and family.

Besides her parents, Shirley was predeceased by two sisters, Margaret L. Staten (Lou), Helen B. Cummings (Patsy), and a brother, Edward Staten. Her husband Leonard T. Austin, Sr., and their three sons, Leonard T. Austin, Jr. (Junior), Clarence E. Austin (Eugene), and Ronald M. Austin (Ronnie). Her two grandsons, Dante M. Austin and Deron M. Austin.

Shirley leaves to cherish her precious memories, her daughters, Karen Y. Anderson (Kay Kay), Terri A. Cartwright (Donald), and Cynthia D. Austin (Charles Muhammad), and daughter-in-law, Rita Austin. Her niece, Cassandra-Marie Alexander, and nephew, George Cummings. Her grandchildren, Kenya N. Brevard (Michael), Latoya D. Austin (Mario), Shaun M. Brevard, Felicia Boone, Constance Leverette, Terrel L. Austin, Donyea Britton (Cameisha), Donnita C. Andrews (Byron), Darnika M. Austin, and Rascheal Anderson. Her great-grandchildren, Demeko Austin, Trequan Brevard, Trekia Brevard (KiKi), Asia Austin (Secret), Jia Brevard, LaShaun Maddray, James Maddray, Deontae Austin, Kamari Clarke, Quantez Rodgers, Jr., Sevyn Brevard, Jaquez Ferebee, Shaniyah Williams, Dermaje Banke, Lavoris Marshall-Leverette, Deshaun Marshall, Diamond Boone, Brian Boone, Jr., and Thomas Boone. Her great-great-grandchildren, Kaden, Kari, Tyionna, Kamryn, Ari, Jade, Jaylen, Jordyn, Joy, and a tenth one on the way from Deontae M. Austin. Her great nieces, Korbin Cummings and Ja lina Lockhart, and great nephews, Jerry and Ethaniel.