W. S. Austin was born October 7, 1922, in Kosciusko, MS; to Fate and Emma Alston.

He was the youngest of twelve children.

W. S. accepted Christ in his life at an early age, he joined Mt. Canaan Missionary Baptist Church, where he was baptized.

He was later joined in Holy Matrimony to Essie Mae Nash in Kosciusko, MS. To this union, eight children were born.

W. S. was a World War II Veteran of the U. S. Army, where he received several awards and an honorable discharge. He worked several years at Falk Corporation and later at Milwaukee Valve where he later retired.

W. S. was a well-loved and respected father, grandfather, and uncle. His Sincerity, generosity, and sense of humor were one of a kind. The strength he displayed at all times was a living example to us all that we should not complain about so many small things. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and watching all sports, especially Basketball and WWF Wrestling, telling family stories and spending time with his family. He also enjoyed letting "The Jerry Springer Show" entertain him.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Fate and Emma Alston. His wife, Essie Austin-Williams; his son, Ricky Austin; three sisters, Zelma Wells, Alberta Simmons, Wardean Kern, and eight brothers, Wade Alston, McKenley (Mack) Alston, Chester Alston, Milton Alston, Columbus Alston, Fleming Alston, Izen Alston, Roosevelt Alston.

On May 10, 2004, after an extended illness, God delivered W. S. from his bout with cancer and brought him home to heaven.

He leaves to cherish his memory 6 daughters, Mary (Robert) Miller, Emma (Eugene) Johnson, Margie Austin, Sandra Austin, Joyce Austin, Kathy (Raymund) Washington; one son, Tommy Austin. One brother-in-law, George Kern Kosciusko, MS; three sisters-in-law, Iren Alston Compton, CA; Vida Mae Alston Milwaukee, WI; Lillie Alston Kosciusko, MS; 27 grandchildren; 36 great-grandchildren, and 4 great-great-grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Contributor 47423182