I am sorry to hear of Jessie's passing.  We met and saw each other for about seven months, fell in love, and talked of marriage.  Unfortunately, it did not work out due to the distance between us. There has not been a day since then that I haven't thought about her, one of the most beautiful women I have ever met. I hope that she found fulfillment in her life and lived every day to the fullest. I will deeply miss her.

Jessie was my mentor and sister while working in Jackson Ms at UMMC . My heart is so heavey
today, I am lost of words. She taught me so much and help me develop my leadership skills. She was an angel working in the earthly realm. Touching souls that would allow her. I know Gods knows better than me, however this is hard to comprehend. My prayers and condolences to the family, whom she loved so dearly. 


I met Jessie at James Madison High School.  We were mighty Trojans together.  We were both quiet and reserved but our one greatest commonality was our love for Christ.  Jessie has been a warrior and soldier in the Lord's army a long time.  Now she has redeemed her crown.  Over the years we did not keep in touch but the love of the Madison Mighty Trojan is never lost.  My heart hurts but my spirit rejoices knowing she is resting eternally in the bosom of the Savior.

Love Infinitely, Yolandia Anderson Williams  CLASS OF 1980!!!

To the Family of Jessie Austin,

Please accept my dearest condolences. Jessie was a dear sister  and friend to me. We met at Huron Consulting and remained friends. I will miss our multi hour calls but I know I will see her in heaven. 

I pray your comfort from our Lord. 

Sincerely,

Renee Box

Jessie was such a wonderful and beautifully blessed woman.  I had the great pleasure of being her beautician for about 3 years and church member. We had lunch together, laughed about everything, and shared secrets with each other. It hurts and saddens me.  Much love and blessings to the family. 🙏🏾 

To the Austin Family, it brings me both sadness and great joy to hear that Jessie has gone ahead of us to be with the Lord. I grew up across the street from her and I realized as a young girl, that she truly was a Christian. She was always focused and seemed to have her priorities straight. I regret not sharing space together in our adult lives, being able to share our faith as it is so exciting to see how beautiful she still was inside and out. God is so good to us and it is wonderful that she so faithfully allowed herself to be such an awesome extension of His hands. Rest well my sister, until we meet again, Monique.

To Jessie's family and friends, 

My heart aches that Jessie has gone from this earth, but know she continues to live though all who have had the privilege to know her.  She leaves all of us  better than when we first met her. 

She became one of my dearest friends. The friend that laughs with you, cries with you, advises you, and lifts you up when you fall. 

May all the good memories we have with Jessie help us through this difficult time. 

Jessie, you are missed. I am so grateful to have you as part of my life. 





To Jessie's sisters and extended family-
It has taken me a week to get my thoughts together to be able to even put words to my feelings. I'm heartbroken at this loss for all of us. 
 
She had me at the interview. I was one of the peer interviewers 6 years ago when Jessie came to Optum (then Advisory Board). Her enthusiasm and positive energy came through the phone. She was delightful to work with and truly understood the meaning of teamwork. Jessie seemed to have an extra supply of midnight oil and would clock long hours to meet deadlines and exceed expectations. Her willingness to share her knowledge was legendary, so much so that we recently decided to record her educational sessions so we could give her some time back. 

  On a personal note, after a long day on a client site, Jessie could be found walking - she clocked more steps in a day than I thought was humanly possible and challenged many of us to do the same. Before I met Jessie I had no idea what a chia seed was, now I can't look at one without remembering her and it brings a smile..

Jessie had a deep faith and valued her family so much. Her family was everything to her.  Stories about growing up as one of seven girls were often told and morphed  into life lessons that she shared on our calls or in the team room . Her mother was a strong influence as her "advice" lived on through Jessie. Her mother was so "present " in our daily conversations that I once asked Jessie if I could meet her and her mother for lunch as I traveled through Dallas. It was only then that I found out that her Mom had passed away some time ago.  Jessie always saw the good and potential in people and was  willing to give a helping hand to anyone. 

Jessie made memories, made an impact on the world and will be missed by many. Rest easy Jessie, you will be remembered and you mattered.

Sharon Ward (from Chicago)

A Spirit in the Glade
 
On a new trail early one morn
A sitting hiker I came upon
Lost in memories of a friend
Whose cabin lies at the bend
An inspiring spirit in the glade
On long walks she gave him aid
Cool water in summer's heat
Brisk fire for winter's retreat
She was not old, nor ill
Yet gone are her smile, good nature and better will
From the rock, he yearned for bird song
With condolences, I carried on
He had her bright company to miss for sure
As I faced faded wildflower leading to a boarded door
 
By George Gilmore, a coworker, to Jessie Austin, who left too soon, those who knew her well and those, like myself, who had just started on that trail 


I worked with Jessie at Optum and we quickly connected as fellow Christ followers.  We realized that what was different about us (I'm a white male) was overcome by what we had in common:  our involvement in ministries, our families and how we were raised, and a commitment to represent Christ in our work and community.

When the George Floyd events occurred last summer, Jessie and I had needed discussions about racial injustices and change, and our discussions led to a moment of having our entire work team (40+ people) on a zoom call being transparent about the need for change in our world and within our team.  That has since led to the formation of Diversity team that Jessie chaired until her passing.  

We will continue the work that she started, and we plan to establish an award in her honor that recognizes team members who represent what Jessie stood for - love of others, faith, equality, and a passion for performance.  

To her family - I grieve with you and I know where she is today.  We will make sure her legacy carries on. 

Much love, John Johnston

Dearest Jessie Austin Family,
It is with great sadness that we have learned of the loss of beautiful Jessie.  We hope that your will find comfort and strength through many prayers from all those who had the blessing of knowing Jessie.  
May you feel the love and concern for your family and we send our warmest condolences; and please know we are with you in Christ's spirit.
Prayers and love to you,
Marc & Susan Hill
Prestonwood Hillcrest Homes

To Jessie’s family and  friends I send my heartfelt sympathy and continued prayers for comfort.

Jessie and I began our relationship as co-workers at Optum, as she reached out to embrace me as a new employee…our chats would take us into the evening with discussions transcending everything for hours! 

In such a short period of time we had the opportunity to mentor and lead a committee together! 

We had the love of family and so much more in common, a friendship and sisterhood! AND I will add Jessie’s a powerful prayer warrior, 
an exalter who took care of many by sacrificing her precious time in meeting their needs! 

Jessie, I will miss you, understanding our Lord was ready to receive you! ❤️🕊❤️

Much love to her family! 

Our condolences to the family of Jessie Austin.  We are deeply sadden by  the loss of your loved one and our beloved classmate. 

So many beautiful memories and comments  has been written  about Jessie.  I truly believe that the life she lived definitely spoke for her.  We all  know  to be absent from the body is to be present with the lord,  her memories as a strong woman of faith will live on in the lives she touched.  

Jessie, will truly be missed by family, friends and classmates at James Madison High School (Trojans) class of 1980. 

May God give you comfort, peace and strength!       
Sandy Walker

Initially, I was shocked to hear of the passing of my dear classmate Jessie Austin, James Madison Class of '80. At the time of the news, I was texting other classmates regarding our 40th class reunion. The Class of '80 was small and extremely close because many of us attended James Madison from the 5th grade through graduation. Immediately, I went to look for her obituary.  Sadly, there it was. 

Jessie was a close and dear friend in high school. After graduation, I married and moved away for over 30+ years and returned 2 years ago. I was so looking forward to seeing her and so many others. But now, she is in my future throughout eternity as a Believer in Christ.  I will see you again my friend. 

May the peace of God which passes all understanding keep the minds and hearts  of all those who love Jessie L. Austin. After reading all the wonderful comments about her, she finished her race well.

With love, blessings, and adoration on behalf of myself and the Optum family.  Jessie Austin blessed the Optum team in so many ways: (1) leader, (2) mentor, (3) role model, (4) friend and (5) trusted advisor.  Her love of life, laughter, optimism, work ethic, and teachings of mutual respect and love to all touched everyone she encountered. Her faith in God was reflected in all her actions.
 
Please accept our condolences and sympathy to her family and friends.


Jessie was an amazing and beautiful soul.  I met her about 7 or 8 years ago in Jackson, MS.  We called each other sister.  She gave me so much support and encouragement as I care gave for my mother the last several years.  Jessie was always positive, upbeat, uplifting and always inspiring.  I will miss her dearly and her words of never ending wisdom.  Prayers for her family.

Tina Fortenberry 

Mama Jessie introduced me to Jesus Christ and fought with me through the hardest battle of my life. She helped me overcome addiction and taught me how to love myself and others as God intended us to. She taught me how to respect myself and not let people abuse me anymore. She would always begin many other sentences with “My mother always said...” I felt like I knew her mother although I never met her. She talked about her as if she never passed but was still here because she is. Living in all of us whom Jessie touched with her beautiful, loving, understanding, and kind spirit. She gave me my first bible. Seeing our printed names she wrote inside on the first page brings tears of joy to my eyes now. She was the most beautiful woman I have ever met inside and out. Because of her I know I’ll see her again in heaven. I love you Mama Jessie. God Bless all of her family and friends. My prayers are for and with you all.

You were known to many as “Ms. Jessie” but to me you were known has “Mommy Jessie”! One of the hardest thing’s I’ve ever had to experience was the feeling of loneliness. My word became buried underneath all of my pain and hurt but having “YOU” to cheer me on, support, encourage, pray and stand with me as I desired to go to a higher lever in my life. You taught me how to live a life of freedom allowing me to walk in my purpose and life destiney. You helped me grow in my faith and provided me with the tools I needed to have a real relationship with God.  I remember you saying “When you feel good baby girl everyone arounds you feels good. I’m not talking about feeling good from buying a Kate Spade purse or a double latte with a extra shot. I’m talking about the feeling of JOY, HAPPINESS, ENTHUSIASM, GRATITUDE, PASSION, EXCITEMENT kind of feeling  good”! You said “Courtney, remember the gifts you bring to the world are not found in your resume, accomplishments or presents to others. The gift is your presence of be happy and bringing that happiness to others”.  I love you so much and can’t wait to see again! 

-Your Daughter, Courtney J. 

Jessie and I have known each other for over 20 years.  We worked together at RHD, Tenet, Huron, Advisory Board and Optum.  Even when she moved away briefly we still stayed in contact!  My husband Bill and I were her toffee provider, she loved plain toffee - no chocolate on it!  I remember we meet one night before Christmas in a parking lot at a mall to give her toffee and chocolates and it was dark outside.  We laughed about how someone would think we were doing some kind of deal - but I bet they would not have guessed a "candy deal".  LOL When we shared chocolates with her she would share with her family and one time Bill had made a cheesecake and she needed something for the family dinner so she shared with her family again!  I never met any of her family directly but heard a lot about them all over the years and her Mama.  The stories that she loving told about her Mama!  I would love to be able to talk to one of her sisters, please feel free to reach out to me.  Jessie was a wonderful and caring friend she will be so missed.  Attached is a picture we took when she was in my kitchen in November of 2013.  I pray you are at peace my friend, Jessie Austin!  Love Marlena Mossbarger

I had the opportunity to work with Jessie a few years ago. She was full of passion and integrity, and I knew I could trust her implicitly.  I’m sorry to hear that she’s passed. I will miss her. 

My thoughts and prayers are with all of Jessie’s family.
Jessie was a very special friend and will be greatly missed.

My condolences to the family in the loss of your  loved one. May Holy Spirit comfort you and keep your spirits elevated during this difficult time. You have suffered a great loss.  She was an incredible woman of God who will be welcomed Home with open arms. We will miss her beautiful angelic spirit. We love her, but God loves her more. Rest Evangelist. Until we meet again.


In Loving Memory of Evangelist Jessie Austin

John 14:1-4

1 Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. 2 In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also. 4 And whither I go ye know, and the way ye know.

Proverbs 3:5 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

Holy Spirit I thank you for giving me comfort through these scriptures after receiving very disturbing news in the loss of a beautiful soul. An amazing prayer warrior, a lover of God’s people. Classy, humble, Holy Spirit driven, a true woman of God. Jessie Austin, it was a sisterly love at first sight. There was instant spiritual chemistry between the two of us. You made an amazing first and lasting impression on me. Thank you for your obedience in ministering and praying for me and my baby. A private moment that I will forever hold dear to my heart. God called you to the ministry and you answered the call daily as you ministered and prayed with new members and others as you were lead to do. You were a beacon of light who lit up a room with an amazing wattage of God’s glow.  

You asked that we stay connected and we will. You will forever hold a dear place in my heart. Though our time together was short lived, it was intentional.  You blessed my life before your work here was completed and your angelic demeanor will be the vision of you that I will store in my heart. You have now earned your wings.  

This news shook me to my core, but I find comfort in knowing that your spirit is Heaven bound for a life of eternity. Well done my sister friend. Well done. Now rest Heavenly in your Father's arms, for you belong to Him.  Love you Evangelist Jessie Austin

OBITUARY

Jessie L Austin

September 5, 1961 – July 7, 2021

Singing Hills Funeral Home

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