Mildred Austin

Mildred Louise Miller Austin was born on July 4, 1921 in Kingstree, South Carolina, the only child to the late Selma and Lowry Miller. Her family moved to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania while she was an infant.

Mildred attended public schools of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She graduated from Simon Gratz High School, attended Temple University, and graduated from Berean Business Institute.

In July 1948, Mildred married Joseph G. Austin. To that union was born two loving daughters, Merle Christina and Jo-Ann Selma.

Mildred was an excellent student, but opted to develop her first love and special talents: Sewing, Fashion Design and Art. She began her sewing career and joined the International Ladies' Garment Workers' Union. Mildred became active with her union and participated in all legislative, educational, civic, community, political and other union activities. She worked for many years in the ladies garment industry beginning with Lady Van Heusen. Her last employment was at Bently Choir Robe Company in Germantown, where she retired.

Mildred was a dedicated and willing volunteer in her community. She saw her opportunity to participate in a political activity and sought the position of "Clerk of Election, at the polls, which she enjoyed. She soon acquired the position of "Judge of Elections", to which she was diligent, committed and faithful. In 2010, after 45 years of devoted service, Mildred retired to afford her the opportunity to visit with and encourage neighbors and friends to "come out and vote".

Millie, as she was fondly called, belonged to many other activities. She was one of the leading members of Tots and Teens Inc., a club organized to expose youth to many cultural and character building activities in and out of the city. She was a member of several Ladies Pinochle and Bridge Clubs, and also The Young at Heart Travel Club.

Sister Austin was a dedicated and devoted member of Second Macedonia Baptist Church under the pastorate of Rev. Harold R. Jolley. She served as a member of the Scholarship Ministry, Christian Women Ministry, Black History Ministry, Family Life Ministry, and Helping Hand Ministry.

Mildred was a special loving woman -- She spent time and spread love to her family, friends and acquaintances, with her beautiful smile and happy expression.

Mildred's husband Joseph and daughter, Merle preceded her in death.

Mildred leaves to cherish her memory: her daughter Jody ; her grandson Yusef; three great-grandchildren Hassan, Makhi, and Jade; two aunts Thelma and Carrie of Kingstree, S.C.; one first cousin Barbara Davis; four special sister friends Bela, Mary Weston, Hilda and Grace; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Lovingly Submitted by the Family