The Lord, in His infinite wisdom, ordains the span of our lives and the time of our

departure – even before the foundation of the world was formed. In His divine wisdom,

God chose Thursday, July 16, 2026, as the day our beloved Eula Mae Austin would

return home to Him. On that day, He dispatched His heavenly angels, and she

peacefully entered into eternal rest surrounded by the love of her family.

Mrs. Eula Mae Austin was born on November 9, 1935. In Ridgeland, South Carolina.

She was the eighth of eleven children born to the late Jessie and Susan Willis.

Eula was educated in the Jasper County public schools and graduated from Jasper

High School in 1954. Following graduation, she relocated to Philadelphia,

Pennsylvania, where she began her career with Zenith in nearby Lansdale,

Pennsylvania.

In 1957, she was united in holy matrimony to Benjamin Austin, who preceded her in

death. Together they built a loving home and raised two children, James David Willis,

who also preceded her in death, and Remell Douglas. Eula and Benjamin shared a

love for traveling to new dimensions, enjoying fine dining, embracing their heritage and

other cultures, while creating many cherished memories together throughout their

marriage.

After leaving Zenith, Eula began a long career with McNeil Consumer Healthcare (now

Johnson & Johnson) in Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, where she faithfully worked for

20 years before retiring in 1997. Following retirement, she and her husband Benjamin,

relocated to Leesburg, Florida, where they enjoyed life together in the Highland Lakes

retirement community. After Benjamin’s passing, Eula returned to her beloved

childhood community of Roseland in Ridgeland, South Carolina.

Upon returning home, Eula united with Second Grahamville Euhaw Baptist Church. In

later years, she faithfully worshipped at Abundant Faith Christian Ministry (formerly

First Heyward Baptist Church), where she enjoyed the fellowship and supported the

church through various ministries.

Eula was big-hearted and giving, she always made time to extend a helping hand. She

never met a stranger and if she did, her loving and lively spirit quickly welcomed them

into her ever-growing circle of friendships. The ultimate networker, teacher, and

educator, Eula always welcomed the opportunity to share life lessons and the

importance of investing and saving. Her mentorship was well respected and received.

Her might, diligence, ambition and love of learning were some of the characteristics that

sustained her and made her life undeniably well lived.

She had an uncanny ability to connect with the young which proved her to be the

ultimate bridge-builder who never failed to speak hope into the lives of others. Eula

fearlessly mentored her grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and anyone she connected to

with life lessons.

Eula will be remembered for her warm smile, generous heart, steadfast loyalty and the

joy she brought to those connected to her. Whether sharing laughter with family,

cheering her favorite sports team, baking cakes for family and friends or simply enjoying

time with those she loved, she made every connection a little brighter. Though she will

be deeply missed, the memories she created and the examples she set will continue to

live in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

She leaves to cherish her fondest memories: daughter, Remell Douglas (Joseph);

daughter-in-law, Jackie Willis, both of Philadelphia, PA: four grandsons, Terrell Willis

(Jen), Tempe, AZ, Andre Willis (Melissa), Dennis Pipkin (Kellie), and Shannon Douglas,

all of Philadelphia, PA; twelve great grandchildren, Shaire, Zahmere, Zahki, Legend, all of

Philadelphia, PA, Naomi, Olivia, and Athena, all of Tempe, AZ, Kyrie, AJA, Justine,

Dajha, and Jordan, all of Philadelphia, PA; two sisters, Mary L. Jackson and Susie M.

Murray, both of Amityville, NY; a bonus play daughter, Angie Robinson, Gatha, FL; her

cherished cousin, Albertha “Babe” Williams, affectionately known as her look-a-like; and

a host of loving nieces, nephews and cousins.