Delores Elaine Austin

Born February 27th 1939 at Freeman’s Hospital in Washington, DC to Lorraine and Leon Dillard. Delores was known as many nicknames including, “Tunnie”, “Dee”, “Mama”, and “Nana”. Delores was a woman of vitality. Being born in Washington, DC but raised in Arlington, VA where she participated in many activities including glee club, dance, athletics, and cheer. What she loved most was using her powerful voice to sing, landing her the nickname “Tunnie” given to her by her late grandmother. Delores loved knowledge and learning, making her one of Hoffman Boston’s youngest graduating seniors in the class of 1953. She was just 16 years old. In her early years Delores began working with her late mother at the local ‘hot shop’ serving the neighborhood of Green Valley good eats. She then transitioned to working for the U.S. Government in various positions in the White House and Pentagon throughout her career. While working in the pentagon, Delores met Pete Austin who would later become the love of her life. Joining together in Holy matrimony on November 29th 1957. Due to her husbands career in the service (U.S. Army) they had the opportunity to move to different states across the nation and even abroad to Ausburg, Germany. Each place Delores lived or even visited she left her irresistible spirit, collecting many friends and extended family members along the way. Delores was a devout servant of the Lord. At a very young age she accepted Jesus Christ and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church (Arlington, VA). In church she was extremely active and monumental with cultivating and leading many church groups. Each state Delores lived, she was sure to build a youth choir at any church she attended. Her first choir being the “YPC’s” at Macedonia Baptist Church (Arlington, VA) with the help of her friend, Betty Greene. Delores was a natural leader and loved by most. Everyone who came into contact with Dee knew what real love is. Known for her fly, stylish, sharp, and fabulous ways of dressing. Delores was looked at as royalty. Her tall stature was hard to miss because each room she walked in was with a royal and angelic stride. Her head always held high to the heavens. Dee's beauty shinned from inside out. Later retreating to Oklahoma with her family, she eventually retired from U.S. Dept. of Transportation Federal Aviation Administration after 30+ years of service. Her job did not stop there, although retired Dee began another career working for Farmers Home under the Dept. of Agriculture. Her time with Farmers Home was instrumental in helping many families of color, purchase, build, and own their own homes in Oklahoma. After retiring her second career, she then began working for Chickasha Public Schools. Delores worked endlessly to raise her 3 beautiful children and make her home comfortable for her husband and anyone else they invited in. Dee found her church home with Greater New Zion Baptist (Oklahoma City, OK) where she was very active with leading the choir and directing the visual praise group for well over 20 years. Not only did she establish a new home at GNZBC but also at Shepherd Street Christian Church (Chickasha, OK) where she held dual membership. Her passion for singing and entertainment carried on to making her the choir president for the Chickasha Community Gospel Singers. Delores’ dedication and service for the Lord was a major point of her character. The loving and nurturing spirit of Delores made her a mother figure to almost anyone who entered into her life. Although she was like a mother to most, she leaves behind 3 children; Donald D. Austin, Donna Y. Austin, Darryl L. Austin (Sherry) 3 extended children; Tim Austin, Glen Tucker (Sanita), Wanda Austin. Along with a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, in-laws, and extended family who will miss her physical presence dearly. Delores will join in heaven her grandparents, parents, 3 brothers, and sister.

Delores Elaine Austin

February 27, 1939 - May 5, 2023

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Delores Elaine Austin

February 27, 1939 - May 5, 2023

Obituary Notification

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Grief & Healing

Plan Ahead

Obituaries

Resources

Contact Information