Fannie Mae Austin

Fannie Mae Austin was born on November 28, 1948, in Grambling, Louisiana, to TL and Willie Mae Willis. She lived a life rooted in faith, and accepted Jesus Christ as her Savior when she joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Louisiana. At an early age, her parents relocated the family to Seattle, Washington, in 1963 in search of greater opportunities. It was there that Fannie would grow up, build her life, and leave an enduring impact uplifting generations through education and care.

Fannie was named in honor of her great-great paternal grandmother,grandmother, and mother: Fannie Williams, Fannie Brown, and Willie Mae Willis. The name “Mae” remains a blessing to the family, symbolizing the resilience, grace, and foundation of the women who came before her.

From an early age, Fannie was a natural leader and role model. As the oldest, she helped raise and guide her siblings—Tommie Lee, Vorn, Patricia, Jerry, and Richard—allowing her parents to build a strong family foundation. Her nurturing spirit and sense of responsibility were evident even in her youth.

Fannie graduated from Garfield High School in Seattle, Washington, in 1966. She later returned to her hometown to attend Grambling State University, then known as Grambling College, earning a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education in 1972. During her time at Grambling, she met the love of her life, Lim Albert Austin. The two were married later that year at her parents’ home—fondly known as “The Hill”—in Seattle, Washington.

She began her career as a Home and Family Life teacher at Hamilton Middle School and later at South Shore Middle School. Driven by her passion for education, she continued her studies at Seattle University, earning a Master of Education in 1987.

With a special place in her heart for underserved students, Fannie dedicated the next 20 years as a Special Education teacher at Boren Middle School, Rainier Beach High School, and Denny Middle School. Her calling to support and guide young people led her to further her education once again, earning a Master in Counseling from City University in 1994. She completed her career as a school counselor at Cleveland High School, where she encouraged, supported, and guided countless students toward graduation and brighter futures.

Even while facing significant health challenges with her kidney function, Fannie remained deeply committed to both her family and her purpose. She worked night school, summer school, and after-school events—always giving of herself. After 42 years of dedicated service to Seattle Public Schools, she retired in 2014, leaving behind a profound and lasting imprint. Fannie once said, “Working with children is my dream. It is what I am good at.”

Her life reflected perseverance and quiet courage. She lived by the philosophy, “You change the things you can change. Those things you can’t change, you learn to live with.” In 2011, the Northwest Kidney Center honored Fannie at their Breakfast of Hope for her perseverance and quiet courage. After 24 years on dialysis, Fannie had a successful kidney transplant in 2015.

Beyond her professional life, Fannie was a master seamstress, known for creating beautiful clothing and costumes for her family and friends. She found joy in traveling the Washington coast, gardening, cooking, sewing, and word searches. She was also a proud and devoted fan of Grambling State University’s marching band, a reflection of her lifelong connection to her alma mater. She had a special gift for bringing people together—whether through her warm presence or her uplifting and encouraging Facebook posts that kept her connected to loved ones near and far.

On the beautiful morning of April 17, 2026, surrounded by her children, Fannie peacefully transitioned to glory.

Fannie was the matriarch of her family, and left to cherish her memory her beloved partner, Lim Albert Austin, Children- Anthony (Angela) Austin, Angela (Dwane) Austin-Chappelle, Arneidra (Daren) Austin-Lloyd, and Allen Austin. Siblings- Tommie Lee Willis, Jerry Willis, Richard Willis, Vorn Willis, Patricia Gibson. Twelve grandchildren- Aaron, Arius, Aeshia, Anthony (Xavier), Aniyah, Alyse, Aleph, Arielle, Atalya, Akira, Aizik, and Asaph—and four great-grandchildren- Alani, Kaylani, Aaron, and Kori Jean along with a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, loved ones, and dear friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, TL and Willie Mae Willis, and her son, Aaron “Bruce” Willis.

Fannie was the last living charter member of Greater New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church. She was deeply appreciated, held close by her church family and remembered for her calm spirit, steady presence, and selfless heart.

Fannie’s life was a beautiful reflection of Proverbs 3:5–6:

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

A Wake/Visitation will be held on May 4, 2026, from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. The Funeral Service will take place the following day, May 5, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Damascus International Fellowship Baptist Church, 5261 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118. A Committal Service will follow from 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm at Evergreen Washelli Funeral Home & Cemetery, 11111 Aurora Ave N, Seattle, WA 98133. Family and friends are then invited to gather for a Repast at The Royal Esquire Club, 5016 Rainier Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118, beginning at 3:00 pm.