Josephine Louise (Austin) McElrath

Sister Josephine Louise (Austin) McElrath was born to the late David A. Austin and Realie L. (Lawson) Austin on March 22, 1922 in Titus, Alabama.

She departed this walk of life on Thursday, May 10, 2018 at her residence, Sylacauga, AL.

Sister McElrath united in Holy Matrimony to Donfous (Danfort) McElrath, in the 1940’s.

Sister McElrath accepted Christ at an early age and united with Bethlehem Baptist Church.  Later she united with Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church.  She later united with Tanyard Hill Church of Christ, Under the leadership of the Late Bro. Oscar K. Marbury during the 1950s, and remained faithful until her health began to fail.

She was an excellent wife and mother, she was a great seamstress, cook and gardener.  Sister McElrath additionally preformed domestic work for the late Dr. & Mrs. Robert C. Rea, parents of the late congressman Bill Nichols.  Also the former Avondale Mills president Mr. John (Peggy) Hudson, Mrs. Betty Perkins, and Nan Hoaglin.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, ten siblings. (April 2018) Minister James W. Austin, Sr.)

She leaves to mourn her passing, two loving daughters, Mae R. (Charles) Riggens of Hinesville, GA; and Ms. Wanda McElrath – Frazier of Sylacauga, AL; two granddaughters, Retired Master Sgt. Clarissa R. (Archie) Williams of Tucson, AR; Christine Riley Kimbrough of Sacramento, CA; one sister, Sallye A. Mitchell of Victorville, CA; two sister in laws, Odelia Austin of Mareno Valley, CA; Rose Peterson Austin of Hollins, AL; one brother in law, Robert Barnes of Birmingham, AL; one special cousin in law, Mary Sterns; one God-granddaughters of Laquacher Kidd, and Donyelle Gamble; special friends, Cathy Lauderdale and Sharon Gamble (Jimmy) Odum; special family friends, Clarence Ray Riley, James H. Frazier, Esthen Boyd, Timothy Rogers, Robert Fuller, and James O. Huntley; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.    

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