Dorothy A. Austin

AUSTIN, Dorothy A., age 86, born June 3, 1934 in Dayton, Ohio passed away peacefully, Sunday September 20, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia, with her family at her side.

She was a graduate of Dunbar High School, a member of the “Y”-Teen club and was selected “Miss Del-Teen of 1951”. Dorothy was honored to be crowned with the title of “Miss Jabberwock” 1952.  She was a member of The Future Teachers of America Organization.

An avid pianist, Dorothy attended Central State College and majored in Business Education and Music. While attending Central State College, Dorothy was selected to compete in the “Miss Sweetheart 1953” contest and won the title of ”Miss Press”.

Dorothy later moved to Newton, Massachusetts with her family before settling in Detroit, Michigan. While living in Detroit, she received her Bachelor of Arts Degree from Marygrove College. She worked as a public school teacher for several years. She was a member of Hartford Memorial Baptist Church, a past member of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., Newton, Massachusetts and the Detroit Chapter, Vice President and member of the Meharry’s Wives Club, member of Meharry Alumni Association serving on several committees, member of the Meharry Auxiliary serving as an officer and a member of the Wolverine Dental Auxiliary.

Later in life, Dorothy moved to Atlanta Georgia and became a longtime member of the Historic Ebenezer Baptist Church. She worked for Emory University for a short time before joining The Salvation Army, Southern Territorial Headquarters in Atlanta, Georgia as an Executive Secretary. After 23 years of faithful service she retired in 2015.

Dorothy was preceded in death by her parents, James E. Caldwell and Louise Caldwell-Hubbard; brothers, Ronald D. Caldwell and James L. Caldwell; sister, Faye E. Bradley and daughter, Greta F. Austin. She leaves to cherish her memory, sisters, Sandra Chisholm and Juanita Spells; daughters, Liscia R. (Eric) Bass, Monica A. (Eric) Benning and Aleta A. (Grady Jr.) Wyche; grandchildren, Alfonso III (Domonique) Banks, Austin D. Wyche, Alexis C. Wyche and Calvin C. Benning; great grandchildren, Dominick C. Banks, Devin A. Banks, Alfonso Banks IV, Justin M. Banks, Greta Marie Banks and Alexander B. Banks and great-great grandchild, Carter Lynn Banks.

Walk-through visitation 9-11 am Wednesday, September 30, at House of Wheat Funeral Home, Inc., 2107 N. Gettysburg Ave. Private Service. Interment Woodland Cemetery.

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