Dr. Nurame M. Austin

God’s Word says: From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the Lord’s name is to be praised. Psalm 113:3 KJV I said: I will bless the Lord at all times: His praise shall continually be in my mouth. Psalm 34:1 KJV (her mantra). Nurame Mitchell was born on October 17, 1931 in Opelousas, Louisiana, the only child of Walter and Josie White Mitchell. On Monday, November 9, 2020, at Covenant Healthcare, while surrounded by family, Nurame’s soul was summoned by God. Her eyes were gently closed as she entered sweet and eternal rest with her Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. She was reunited with her beloved husband whom she affectionately called “Reverend,” Pastor Emeritus Reverend Dr. Roosevelt Austin, Sr., who preceded her on June 11, 2020. Dr. Nurame Austin accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and strived to live according to His Holy Word. She and Reverend Roosevelt Austin, Sr. were united in Holy Matrimony in 1950. Music played a major role in the exemplary life of Dr. Nurame Austin who served as Minister of Music at Zion MBC for 47 years. Dr. Austin was a pillar of strength for more than 50 years in the City of Saginaw, State of Michigan, in the United States of America, and beyond. Being the caring and compassionate person that she was, her career choice was Social Work with Y.E.S. (Youth Employment Services), and Director of N.Y.C. (Neighborhood Youth Corps), until her retirement. She took her rightful place beside her husband as a respected community leader. In later years, they conducted many seminars together, specifically on marriage. The Austins were married almost 70 years, June 24, 2020. She inherited her love of music from her mother, which led her to Brown’s School of Music where she was educated in the sacred music of the church. Dr. Austin taught many students including the current Minister of Music at Zion, Carl Mosley; she helped some of her students to become dedicated church musicians. Many have been touched through her service at Zion and to the community. She had a way of bringing others into God’s presence. Dr. Austin’s rendition of Amazing Grace on the Hammond B3 was unparalleled; also, Father I Stretch My Hands to Thee, which was a favorite of Pastor Austin. Her active involvement in the music arena spanned many years and included: Saginaw Valley Baptist District, Wolverine Baptist State Convention, National Baptist Convention and Gospel Music Workshop of America Choirs. The dedicated Dr. Austin was actively involved in numerous civic, religious, service organizations and other endeavors. She received many honors including: Saginaw County Commissioners Certificate of Recognition, Delta College, Evangelical Teacher Training Association and University of Michigan. She received an Honorary Doctorate in music from Urban Bible College. The Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated, named her Woman of the Year. Eta Upsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, selected her to receive a Mother of the Year Award. Her previous involvements have included but were not limited to: service on the board of Saginaw Community Enrichment, Saginaw Central Development Corporation, Saginaw Cultural Arts Commission, Church Women United, Family Independence Agency and Club-Z, a tutorial service for children. She served as a member on the boards of Saginaw Economic Development Corporation and Adoption Option Agency. Dr. Austin traveled extensively with her husband to: the Bahamas, Brazil, Hong Kong, Seoul Korea, Africa, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Celebrating her life and legacy until we meet again are her daughter, Dona Austin-Bigby, Saginaw, MI; son, Dr. David W. (Dr. Doris Taylor) Austin, Indianapolis, IN; daughter-in-love, Debra Austin, who lovingly called her “Reverend Mother,” Saginaw, MI; 7 grandchildren who affectionately called her “Gaumy,” Roosevelt (Dena) Austin III, Oak Park, MI, Robert (Kelly) Bigby III, Milwaukee, WI, Dr. Nia Austin Bigby (Anthony Hamiter), Indianapolis, IN, Erin Shane Austin, Indianapolis, IN, Amber Nicole Austin, Herdon, Virginia, Elyse Noelle Austin, Indianapolis, IN, and Christina Taylor Austin, Boston, MA; great-granddaughter, Nia Marie Bigby, Milwaukee, WI; sister-in-law, Isabella Austin, Opelousas, LA; many nieces and nephews; special daughter, Mary Frances McDonald and family, Saginaw, MI; goddaughter, Catrina NuRose Frison, Atlanta, GA; special cousin/son, Pastor Dr. Darrell K. (Jaffee) White and daughters Sierra (Phil) Ashe and Nia Elizabeth White; special grandson, Pastor Marcelle (Jennifer) Smith; special brother, James E. Jackson; special friends, Loyce Greene, Lucille (Buddy) Surles, Russell (Diane) Kirksey, Minnie Reese, and the families of Mrs. Rowena Taylor, Terry (Carolyn) Pruitt, Pastor Dr. Marvin T. (Omie) Smith, Willie & Angenetta Ervin, , Lathon (Kim) Wilson, the late Louise Archer, the late Rose Branch, Pastor Rodrick A. (Irma) Smith and the Zion Missionary Baptist Church family. Dr. Nurame M. Austin was preceded in death by her husband, Reverend Dr. Roosevelt Austin, Sr.; son, Roosevelt Austin, II; father, Walter Mitchell, and mother, Mrs. Josie White Rideau; other relatives and friends. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deuteronomy 33:27 Visitation will take place on Monday, November 16, 2020 from 2:00-8:00 p.m. at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 North Jefferson Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48607. In lieu of flowers those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider The Rev. Dr. Roosevelt and Dr. Nurame Austin Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 40127, Indianapolis, Indiana 46240. A private service will be held with Pastor Rodrick A. Smith officiating. Interment will take place in Forest Lawn Cemetery, 3210 South Washington Avenue, Saginaw, Michigan 48601.

Dr. Nurame M. Austin

October 17, 1931 - November 9, 2020