Cynthia Austin

Cynthia Kay Austin was born on July 30, 1949, in Houston, Texas to Gus Stewart and Mary Augar Stewart (neé Feronberg). She grew up in Studewood/Independence Heights and spent a considerable amount of time in the adjacent Acres Homes. Both areas on the north side of Houston were rich in personal heritage and local black history. With a bubbling start at Burrus Elementary, she completed her secondary education at the historic Booker T. Washington High School in 1967. As a Washington Eagle, she was a part of the Baby Ocean of Soul marching band as a majorette and regularly as a drum major for the former, well-known band leader Edwin “Pop” Bigsby. She continued her education at Prairie View A&M University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1970. She continued her studies and completed most of her master’s coursework with an expected graduation of 1972. She gained experience in social work and recruitment and began pursuing her career interests including her work at Exxon in customer service. Her work ethic, punctuality and strong belief in being early would bode well for her in all of her future career pursuits.

Cynthia entered a loving marriage that eventually ended but fortunately produced her first son, Julian

Bernard Austin. Her son, Justin Louis Austin, and daughter, Krystal Clarine Austin, soon followed. With her beauty, brains, wisdom and strength, she could take on the world. Instead she chose to focus on her family and leave the setting of a corporate environment. As a single mother, “Pretty Lady”, as her sons affectionately called her, knew the most important resource she could provide her children was herself. She found work in political campaign support, customer service and coordinating weekend trips with her mother that involved bingo and lots of slot machines – her favorite. The duo was a force to be reckoned with in their day and had fun doing it. Cynthia found flexibility that would allow her to achieve her goal: to be home and available when her children got out of school every day. It wasn’t easy but, with God, she always made a way.

This resourcefulness also allowed her to exercise her passion – cooking. In addition to daily meals that tasted like gourmet dishes, she slaved every holiday to prepare family recipes her family always and forever hold dear. This was a special gift passed down from her creole maternal grandmother, Grace “Big Momma” Feronberg. Cynthia spent endless hours in the kitchen with Big Momma and often spoke of her disposition, influence, cooking and religious discipline. According to Cynthia, before Big Momma placed her feet on the ground to get up every day, she prayed. This practice of prayer also strongly influenced Cynthia as she stayed in prayer throughout her life. Her faith led her parenting as well. She always loved church, even as a child, and reminded her children to “watch Joel” every week for an inspirational message. If nothing else, she wanted her children to adopt two interdependent principles: recognizing God’s presence and knowing how to survive in this world. Job well done, Cynthia; job well done!

Cynthia was especially insightful and encouraging. She did not speak out of turn and her speech was never verbose or garrulous. Cynthia knew the key to conversation was listening. She believed in listening to God, the universe, nature, events and as well as everyday people. Friends and random people alike would confide in “Ms. Cynthia” their life stories and seek her motivation. People constantly brought her gifts and meals in kindness and gratitude. Effortlessly, she could provide comfort and support with her calming presence. She was kind, generous, even-tempered, loving, compassionate, soothing, patient, easy-going and honest. She loved good music and a good concert. She watched the news and Wheel of Fortune almost daily. Cynthia enjoyed a good laugh and an icy cold glass of Coke (occasionally topped off with a little “crown”). She was no pushover, but rarely raised her voice with anyone. She managed to “instill the fear of God” in her children and empower her children as unique individuals.

Cynthia would often say “the proof was in the pudding”. She was all pudding. Her professional resume was impressive. But it’s her resume of love and application of friendship that still shine the brightest. Her life was the perfect example of what life is about – not what you have but how you love. If she loved you, you could be certain you would receive her best. Cynthia or “Granny” extended that love to her dear grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family. This is evident in the many hours of care she provided for them and her lead in supporting her mother throughout the years, who called her “Kay”. She loved unconditionally, generously and without discipline. She made God proud. She didn’t ask for much but she was a fighter when it counted most. In the end, as cancer reared its evil, she maintained her grace, demanded the best and exuded the strength of a champion every single day. In faith, she proclaimed “everything was OK”. Cynthia was surrounded by loved ones when she passed from this life on August 8, 2016.

She is preceded in death by her father, Gus Stewart. Cynthia is survived by her mother, Mary Stewart; brothers, Willie Dirden and André Stewart; children, Julian, Justin and Krystal Austin; son-in- law, Gavin Giere; grandchildren, Justin, Jr., Jaden, Kaelan, Madison, Julian Jr., and John-Austin; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, additional family members and friends.

A memorial service for Cynthia will be held at 2:00pm, Saturday, August 20, 2016 at Pat H. Foley & Company. A reception will be held directly after, also at Pat H. Foley.