Rev. Joseph Austin

The Reverend Joseph Wayne Austin was born on Sunday, July 15, 1945, in Baltimore, MD. He was the son of the late John T. and Hattie Bryant Austin. He departed this life on Saturday, September 7, 2013, at the Kent General Hospital - Bay Health Medical Center, Dover, DE at the age of 68. He grew up in the City of Federalsburg, MD. There he received his early childhood education. After graduating from Lockerman High School in Denton, MD, he matriculated to Bowie State University, where he majored in History, and graduated in 1967 with a Bachelor’s of Science Degree. He then attended the University of Maryland University College receiving a Master’s of Education Degree. He later obtained his Associate, Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees from the Christian Life School of Theology and Seminary. Reverend Austin was a former History and Sociology teacher in both Anne Arundel and Caroline Counties in Maryland. On May 6, 1970, he married the former Janice P. Nichols of Mardela Springs, MD, “the apple of his eye”. During that same year, he accepted a position with the State of Delaware (Sussex County) as a Parole Officer. In 1977, the State of Delaware promoted him to Regional Administrator for both Sussex and Kent Counties. One (1) year later, he became Supervisor of the “Aftercare Program” for the State Department of Corrections. In 1982, the State of Delaware began its reorganization of the Service to Children Division. Reverend Austin’s technical and administrative expertise was a crucial factor in ensuring its completion. In 1995, he retired from the State of Delaware after 25 years of service. In 1982, Reverend Austin, along with his wife Janice, joined Calvary Baptist Church, Dover, DE, under the leadership of the Rev. Dr. Richard M. Avant. He faithfully served as an Ordained Deacon until he received his call into the Gospel Ministry in 1988. Prior to becoming a Minister, Deacon Austin was known and referred to as the “Preaching Deacon”. As a son of the Church, and with Calvary Baptist as his Power Station, he began evangelizing throughout Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and New Jersey. During his first year in the ministry alone, Reverend Austin preached over 78 times. He was ordained in 1990. In 1991, the Lord’s plan sent him to pastor John Wesley United Church in Milford, DE, where he served for four (4) years. The church, with God’s help and through Reverend Austin’s vision, was blessed to grow spiritually, financially, and increase its membership twice over. In March of 1995, he was called to shepherd the Poplar Grove Baptist Church in Darnestown, MD. He later shepherded The Church of the Messiah in Clarksburg, MD. Reverend Austin loved the Lord, and loved people. He never met a stranger. Whatever he did, he was committed to do his best. He always said “always give your best and God will give you something better”. Reverend Austin always kept a special place in his heart for all his family. He would always share a laugh that could lift anyone’s spirit. Rev. Austin was affiliated with several organizations in his community. He became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., Mu Rho Chapter, Annapolis, MD in 1969. His Masonic order affiliations: Past Worshipful Master of Morning Star Lodge #10 P.H.A. in Laurel, DE and G. Oscar Carrington Consistory #93 in Milton, DE; Commander of the Rite 33° Mason, Honorary Past Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Free and Accepted Masons of the State and Jurisdiction of Delaware, Past Patron of Queen of Sheba Chapter #4 O.E.S., P.H.A in Laurel, DE. He was a member of the Lower Shore Bowie Alumni Association, Lockerman Alumni Association Class of 1963 in Denton, MD, plus many other civic organizations too numerous to mention. When all has been said about him and there is nothing more that can be said….then we conclude with: Rev. Joseph W. Austin, a pastor who made everybody feel like somebody and most importantly; a man who loved all and is loved by all. He was preceded in death by five (5) brothers: Nelson, Johnny K., Andrew, George and David and two (2) sisters, Mary and Dorothy Jean. Rev. Austin leaves to cherish fond memories his devoted wife of 43 years, Reverend Janice Nichols Austin; a brother, James H. Austin (Brenda) of Lanham, MD; a sister, Joyce M. Carter of Felton, DE; sisters-in-law, Alice Austin, Bernice Austin, Edwina Austin, Sarah N. Tuston, Christina N. Jones, Betty N. Stewart (James), Joyce N. Batson (Robert) and Phyllis N. Bivens; brothers-in-law, Rev. Dr. Hugh C. Nichols (Wanda), Gregory Nichols (Rev. Lucille), Wayne Nichols (Carolyn); special sisters and brothers, Charlene and Richard Tyler “Chopps” of Gaithersburg, MD, Charles V. Butler of Germantown, MD and also Ralph “Butch” Lee and Patty of Bridgeville, DE; godchildren, Paxton Batson (Tameka), Richard Tyler II, Avis Armstead, Nakita Powell, Ralph Christopher Lee (Sonice) and Nikko Lee; a special grandson, Charles Hobson, Jr.; spiritual grandchildren, Marquita Brown (Bobby), Maya Bythwood, Shanene Sewell and Kecia Milbourne; spiritual children, Marvin E. Thomas (Brenda), Samuel Scott, Sr. (Faye), John Epps (Kimberly), David Waddy (Kimberly), Richard Bright (Donna), Rodney Abrams (Teresa), Jeanette Dawley (Dale), Patricia Speight and Jackie Young; special friends, Chester Montgomery, Lou Jones, Rev. George White and Gloria Dennis; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends; dedicated caretakers of CFT ambulance service, Chris Ulrich, James Paige, Paul Boone, Dennis Hess, Aundray Edwards and Tom Hayman; C.N.A., Rose Brown.

Rev. Joseph Austin

July 15, 1945 - September 7, 2013