Annie Austin

Mrs. Annie Bell Austin of Camden, NJ, who recently resided with her sister in Peterburgs, VA. entered eternal rest on November 2, 2021 at Bon Secours Southside Medical Center in Petersburg, VA. Annie Bell was born on May 6, 1931 in Jarratt, VA, to the late Leonard White Massenburg and Mandie Massenburg McCoy. She was preceded in death by her husband, William “Bill” Austin; her brothers, Thomas Henry Massenburg and Walter Key Massenburg; her sister, Mary Lee Witherspoon (Alexander); brother-in-law, James Cheatham; nephew, Croxton Witherspoon; and niece, Shelia D. Witherspoon.

Annie attended Greensville County Training School and Royal Baptist Church while living in Emporia, VA. She later met the love of her life, Bill Austin. They lived not only in Brooklyn, NY, but later moved to Camden, NJ. There they were active members of St. Paul Baptist Church, where she was named, Mother of the Church. She was loved by many far and near. Over the years, she and her husband provided care for over 100 foster girls and was honored by Camden County for doing this.

She is survived by her sister, Dollie Cheatham of Petersburg, VA; sister-in-law, Rose Massenburg of Clayton, NC; five nieces Tina Cheatham, Delores Cheatham, Raymonette Cheatham, Michelle Clark, and a devoted niece, Judy Tyree (Curtis); two nephews, James Cheatham (Felicia ), and Leonard Cheatham; four great nieces to include a devoted great-niece and goddaughter, Letetia Mullenix (Eric Mullenix); twelve great nephews; three great-great nephews; two great-great nieces to include her namesake, Annabelle Mullenix; and host of cousins, other relatives and friends.

The other relatives include a special brother-in-law, Eugene Austin and his wife Minnie Austin (who was also her very dear best friend of many years) and their son Jarrett and daughter Alecia Austin (who was also Annie’s goddaughter). Minnie and Gene not only helped to care for her but looked after many of her needs.

There are many that loved and cared for her during her time of illness. There were many names of affection to include: Nana, Mom Nana, Mom, Annie, Annie Bell, Annabelle, and many more. We the family, thank you, for those that participated in her 90th birthday celebration, thank you, you made her so happy.