In profound sorrow we announce the passing of Mrs. Rosie Wright Austin.

In the Beginning

Rosie Lee Austin was born January 24, 1948, to the late William Wright Sr. and Rozell Wright of Camak, Georgia. She wasthe only girl offive children born into this union. She departed this life on July 3, 2026.

Life’s Journey

Rosie’s family moved from Warrenton County, GA and relocated to the Reynoldstown community in Atlanta, Georgia in the late 1950’s. She was among the first graduating class from the then newly built I. P. Reynolds elementary school. She attended David T. Howard High School in Atlanta, GA where she was a “high stepping” majorette and selected as a class Debutant. She went on to earn a BA Degree in Social Studies with a Minor in Education from Spelman College.

In marriage, Rosie and Jimmy L. Austin parented two children, one of whom predeceased her, Jimmy Jermaine in 2009.

Living with Purpose

Rosie’s career led her on various paths over the years, having worked as Staff Supervisor for Equifax Credit Reporting Agency for several years. She went on to hold the position of Office Manager for her brother’s business Global Graphics Printing before accepting a full-time position as Admin. Assistant/Office Supervisor to the pastor of Saint Philip A.M.E. Church where she remained for more than 30 years. Rosie has made significant contributions to the success of Saint Philip AME Church. She served in numerous capacities that included Sanctuary Choir Member, Director of Greeters Ministry, Member of Space Utilization Committee, Dedication Journal Committee, and Annual Homecoming Chairperson to name a few. Even in retirement, she volunteered her services offered her counsel at St. Philip Church.

She found her niche as a dedicated member and staffer in this capacity. With her kind heart and generous spirit, shewould offer her assistance wherever needed (…and would expect yours)! She often shared words of wisdom, her factual knowledge of church operations and a bit of advice if you’d ask!

Few knew that she grew up in and around Saint Philip Church (SPC) and lived one block from the old church in Reynoldstown! Rosie was very active at SPC over the years! She played on the SPC Softball team, and was an active member of the SPC bowling league for many years. Being an “only girl” made for having her way in most everything - and it spilled over with those she knew! She even relied on a fellow team member to “tie her shoes” each bowling night! In addition, she was an avid Falcons Football fan and held season tickets for well over 20 years! Those closest to her declared that she missed her calling as a “football coach!”

Memories – How they Linger

Rosie loved her family and was always known for her strong family values. She kept a long-standing tradition of hosting 2nd Sunday dinners for the extended family her mother started and later to Christmas gatherings where she would delegate duties!

She was preceded in death by, her son Jimmy Jermaine, her loving parents, two brothers – John Wesley Wright and Henry Wright and brother William Wright, Jr. and sister Francis Johnson.

She will forever be remembered and leaves to mourn her passing: daughter - Christal Austin; grandchildren - Shakeela Reid, Jimmy (Lil Jimmy) Austin, Jr., Jordan Austin, Lerone (JR) Stokes, Ashton Austin; great-grandchildren – Javonni Austin, Harmony Austin, Miracle Austin, Alayna Malone, Amelia Malone, Malaya Malone, Messiah Malone, and Malani Malone, brothers Thomas Wright (Freddie) and Bennie Wright (Sharon), sisters in-law, Evelyn Wright and Margaret Wright, and brother-in-law, Samuel Johnson, and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and dear and faithful friends.

Public Viewing will be Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Grissom-Clark Eastlake Chapel 227 Eastlake Dr SE Atlanta, GA 30317 from 4:00pm-6:00 pm.