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Mr. Kent Austin, Lafayette county native.
Kent Austin, affectionately known as ‘Pops’ was born on April 1, 1930 in Abbeville, MS to Tommie and Bettie Austin, both preceded him in death. He was the 3rd of twelve children. He grew up in Abbeville, MS and later moved to Toledo, Ohio.
He departed this earthly life on January 27, 2020 in Denver, Colorado in the presence of his loving family.
Kent accepted Jesus Christ as his personal savior at an early age and joined The Smith Chapel CME Church. He was a faithful member and continued to worship at Smith Chapel throughout his life.
He married his beloved wife Elsie Andrew in 1950, who preceded him in death in 1981.
Kent joined the US Army in 1951 and served his country well. After he received an honorable discharge from the Military he moved his family to Chicago, IL where he was a head chef at the Martinique Drury Lane Theater in Chicago, IL until his retirement. He moved back to Mississippi where he worked at Walmart in Oxford, MS and was also a foster grandfather for many years at the North Mississippi Regional Center.
He was the loving father of six children. He had a ‘heart of gold’ and a fun sense of humor. He loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends. He also especially enjoyed watching sports, playing cards and bingo.
Kent was also preceded in death by three of his children, Betty Lawrence, Kent Austin Jr. and Diane Crooms, one sister and five brothers.
He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved children, son, Jimmie (Janine) Austin of Denver, CO, daughters Judy Jackson of Denver, CO and Starr Austin of Pittsburg, PA. 10 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren; sisters, Mrs. Elizabeth (Cornelius) Wiggins and Mrs. Willie Mae Coker, both of Toledo, OH; brothers Robert (Audrey) Austin and Truman Austin of Milwaukee, WI and Joseph Austin of Toledo, OH and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and friends.
Please keep his family in your prayers.