Smith Funeral Directors, Inc. | Nashville, TN

Obituary For Professor Austin A. Venzen

Professor Austin Venzen

Nashville - Professor Austin Venzen, age 67, on May 15, 2020.

Left to mourn this Virgin Islands son are, wife, Roxie B. Venzen; sons, DeWayne T. (Desiree) Venzen and Derrick I. Venzen; granddaughter, Bianca Grace Venzen; brothers, Warren Brown; Valimore, Adul, Adullah, Valenteen, Pershing (Lorene), Harold (Joan) Venzen; sisters, Ancelia (Joseph) Benjamin, Andrea Williams, Florence, June, Olive Venzen. Additionally, he leaves a dear cousin, Gwendolyn (Reynold) Barker and host of other family and friends.

Public Viewing Fri, May 22,1-6 PM, Smith Chapel.Services Sat, May 23, 11-12 PM, funeral to follow, Smith Chapel, 706 Monroe St.,The service will be streamed. Interment Greenwood West. Smith Funeral Directors, ( 615) 726-1476.

Guest Book

The previous comment is from Atty. Donnell at Lane College.

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To Mr. Derrick Venzen: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Continue to be a good son in honor of your father.

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Mr. Venzen will be missed. I had an opportunity to assist him with his home project about two years ago. I had learn of his Cancer and the treatment during this same time. Venzen was a professional, loving father, devoted husband and a no nonsense person. I really admired him because of his dedication to the summer music class which he actually cooked for the class. Also the relationship with his son Dereck. I will miss seeing him this summer. God bless Roxie Venzen and family during this time of bereavement. The W. Cooksey family will continue to keep you in prayer during this hour and hope we will see each other again. UVI collegiate WC Cooksey

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Pepe Venzen never let me quit the sax. I would meet him every Saturday at UVI for a lesson then he would take me out for lunch and take me to the arcade. Those were some of the best weekends of my life. You are truly missed Pepe Venzen. Rest in peace.

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Roxie and family, Please accept our sincere condolences on the passing of Professor Venzen. I was grateful to see him earlier this year when he was home. May your special memories of him be a source of comfort at this time. God bless! Lynette Moolenaar George and family

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My condolences to the family of a faithful servant. God be with you. - Sharon Dean

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My heartfelt condolences go out to Roxie, Dewayne, Derrick, and the entire Venzen family in this time of your bereavement. Austin was a gentleman who was and will always be held in high esteem. Keep the treasured memories of Austin close to your hearts. Rest in eternal peace Austin. Lynette L. Milliner Pilgrim

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My deepest condolences goes out to the entire Venzen family. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. I will always remember he and I having long talks about us being family. He was a great teacher, mentor, friend and loving person who will be missed, but never forgotten....Eddie Foy

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I was so very sorry to learn on Mr. Venzen's passing...he was my Summer Band Instructor for several years in the early 1970's when I was a student at Lockhart Elementary and then Wayne Aspinall Jr. High Schools. He nurtured a love of music in me and my fellow students; made us comfortable to speak freely and share our thoughts with him; and he never forgot me--always called me by name. He greeted me with a warm, friendly smile and light conversation that let me know he was proud of the woman his young female trumpet player had become. I had not continued in music after leaving junior high, so the fact that he always remembered my name was special to me. My deepest condolences to the family, and may his soul Rest in Eternal Peace. Paulette Rabsatt Simmonds and family

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Keeping you uplifted and in our prayers... M. BROWN

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I met Austin When he was introduced as the floutist at one of our concerts. It was obvious that he was well trained but I was really surprised at how much he appeared to enjoy playing. I love seeing him play and marveled at his abilit

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May the Angels of comfort surround as you remember the joys and ups and downs of his life as you adjust to the loss of his physical presence. God comfort you in the days ahead. His was one of the most beautiful and kind smiles I had the pleasure to enjoy; Sunday morning music was a joyful experience. Grace Brady

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Our condolence to the family rest easy Classmate from Randolph and Latrease Christian

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As part of my reflecting on the passing of Austin, I slowly journey through our beginnings in Savan, Christ Church Methodist in the Market Square and Charlotte Amalie High School. I recall his sustained professionalism as he interacted with colleagues, parents and students in our public schools and university. Admired and appreciated were his commitment to and promotion of music education. Austin gave so much to so many. May he now rest in peace. William I. Frett

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Our condolence to the family rest easy my Savanero friend neighbor and classmate rest among the ancestors

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To the family of Austin Venzen, I just thank God for sharing him with us at Clark Memorial. I loved to hear the sound of his flute, to receive his group texts expressing his sense of humor and his unending willingness to support and help! I will miss his encouragement and his, excitement to share his frappe drink and crab salad at events, especially our birthday celebrations on Wednesday at noon (and our October birthdays). There's so much I could say about his participation and desire to share his talents with youth and adults. I'll simply say, what a great guy. We will miss him in many ways. Roxie, may you have peace and be comforted in knowing that you will always have memories to get you through difficult days.God loves you all! Peace and blessings, Wanda Clay

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Deep condolences to Mrs. Roxie Venzen and family for the loss of our beloved Professor Austin A. Venzen. I remember when I was in 7th grade picking out instruments in music class with my peers at school, the last instrument I wanted to play was the flute. Every day I blew this flute I got a headache - all I could hear was loose air forcing its way down the tube. No notes, no discernable sounds, and definitely no music. I could only practice for about 10 minutes at a time before getting lightheaded. One day at Christchurch, I had the opportunity to hear Mr. Venzen play Ave Maria, and everything changed. I never knew a flute could sound like that - he had a deep, rich, buttery vibrato, and he made his instrument sing. I was determined to learn to make actual music with my instrument too. I became one of Mr. Venzen's students, and my love affair with music grew. He taught me about music theory, exposed me to advanced repertory material, and taught me how to control my breath for an even, solid tone. I went from being one of the worst music students in my class to one of the best, ultimately becoming the flute section leader for the CAHS marching & symphonic bands - a testament to his efficacy as an educator and mentor. Mr. Venzen was a role model, confidante, and all-around good-natured person. Our Saturday morning lessons were the highlight of my week throughout my high school career. I always enjoyed the gatherings we'd have in the music suite at UVI after our recitals. I'll never forget how it felt to perform with the UVI band at Reichold Center while still in high school. Mr. Venzen exposed us to so much and there's no way I could possibly thank him or repay him. Rest in Heaven Pepe Venzen - tell Fido "hello" for me.

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Rest in Heaven Uncle. You will truly be missed but never forgotten.

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Sincere condolences to Roxie and family. May God's peace and comfort be with you. Charmayne Venzen

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Condolences to the family. My family, Gilbert Hendricks, was Venzen's family on St. Croix. We share your loss and offer our heartfelt condolences.

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My deepest condolences go out to you Roxie and family. I pray that Almighty God our great Comforter will keep you during these sorrowful times. Austin was a great professor and member of Class 1 at Christchurch Methodist. I am glad I had the opportunity to have known him. Also it was great seeing him when he came home for his cousin's funeral. He will surely be missed. RIP Austin From Patricia (Pat) Hodge (Class #1)

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Roxie, please know that we love you. Our prayers are with you and your family! The Wilson Children -Detroit, MI

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Sending love and prayers of comfort we are family and we love you Sandi Gayle Pleshette Payden and Courtney Bryant

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To The Family of Professor Venzen Words may not suffice to express the heartfelt sorrow that we feel for the passing of Professor Venzen. Please know we are thinking of you during this difficult time. A good heart has stopped beating, but a heart that has touched so many lives can't help but live on in those it loved. Wishing you peace and comfort during this hard time. May you find comfort in knowing you are not alone, you are surrounded by those who care for you. We're sharing in your sorrow with love and friendship. Please accept our deepest condolences. May his soul rest in eternal peace Allegra Callwood & Family

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Words just can't say enough. Know that I pray for strength and peace for you and your family through this painful loss. May you find comfort in your many memories. Deepest condolences. Michele Lewis

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With Deepest Sympathy, Roxie and Family. I will miss him, his beautiful music and kind spirit. Ms. Adrian Miller, Clark Memorial UMC

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When I heard the news my heart is got heavy I need time. Prof. Venzen you have been someone my daughter looked up to and you have NEVER NEVER give up on her. Prof. Venzen words can express how GRATEFUL we are of you. We told you we appreciate you all the time and we couldn't stop telling you THANK YOU. You have been so AWESOME to my daughter and you were such an amazing person. Our memories with you will NEVER DIE... SIGHHH God wanted you in his arms and we can't question it. Its rough and its hard to say this in tears but May You Rest In Eternal Peace my friend WE THE COLON FAMILY WILL ALWAYS LOVE YOU

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My deepest sympathy and prayers goes out to the family of Professor Austin A Venzen whom I can call my second family. Professor Venzen was a wonderful role model and father figure in my life and I will cherish all the moments we had. Jareem X Matthew

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Aunt Roxie, Words are not enough to express the love and joy he gave. Please accept our heartfelt condolences on the loss of your husband; affectionately know to me as Uncle Austin. Our prayer and thoughts are on how his passing will bring us closer. These are challenging times and in the spirit of unity my family and I gladly open our hearts with love. - Calvin Pierce Jr.

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On behalf of my daughter, Charlon Richardson, and I, we would like to express sincere condolences to the Venzen family for the loss of their beloved husband and father. Professor Venzen was Charlon's music teacher and mentor. He always encouraged her to be the best and taught her the integral skills of becoming all she can be as a musician. He was truly a Man of Integrity. May his soul Rest In Eternal Peace!

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My condolences goes out to the family of my cousin Austin, may his soul rest in eternal peace. Delia Foy Barrott

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This is one of my daily prayer, "My God, the soul You placed within us is pure. You created it. You fashioned it, You breathed it into us, You safeguard it within us, and eventually You will take it from us, and restore it to us in Time to Come. "I gratefully thank You God, Master of all works, Lord of all souls. Blessed are You God, Who restores souls to dead bodies. So, one day cousin Austin we will meet together when souls are restored to dead bodies, so sleep and Rest In Peace till we meet again! Love Gwendolyn Barker Deepest condolences to you Roxie and Family

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Roxy, my condolences go out to you and the family. As a member of Mr. Venzen's last CAHS band class, I'm deeply saddened that today we say our goodbyes. He was a tremendous Blessing in my life and for that I'm forever grateful. My heart goes out to you and pray that God will grant you peace. With lots of love from, Stacy Creque-Smoot, Brandon Smoot and Ivy Creque.

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Deepest Sympathy to Roxie and the rest of the Venzen On the passing of Professor Venzen from Blanche Frazer of Christ Church Methodist and Family

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My deepest condolences to Roxie for the loss of your husband and to my cousins for the loss of your father. I send condolences to my entire family for the loss of their brother and uncle. LaVerne A. Davis

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Sincere condolences to the family. I still remember how gracious he was when he played his flute for my mom's wedding. Leotha Francis-Coulanges

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Deepest Sympathy to Mrs. Roxie Venzen and Family My sincere condolences for the loss of your husband and father, Professor Austin Venzen. May God give you strength to help you through this difficult time. Wishing you Peace, Comfort, and Hope in the midst of your sorrow. No one can truly understand the sorrow that you bear, but may it help somehow to know how much we care. Professor Austin Venzen was a mentor, father, and friend to my last son Jareem who lost his own father at the age of nine. I am truly grateful that Mr. Venzen was in my son's life to help mold him into the man he is today. He was a wonderful human being, a shining example for me and my son, and generously shared his time never looking for anything in return. He will forever be in our hearts. Hilma Francis-Herbert St. Thomas USVI

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Roxie, we thank God for the time Professor Venzen was with the Christchurch Methodist Church. He shared his music and caring as he mentored many. Taj, Tashawn, Jereem plus Joseph had no understanding of music, but were recipients of weekends of Roxie's food and love. Rev & Mrs Manners are asking you to cherish his memories with love.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

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