Gloria Jean Austin

Known fondly to those who knew and loved her as Jean or Jeannie, she entered this world on June 15, 1941 in Chester, Pennsylvania, a beautiful birthday gift to her father, with whom she shared a birthday. She departed this life on September 28, 2020, in Riverdale, Maryland.

Raised in Thomastown, Maryland, Jeannie was the second daughter of the late Milford Reese Potts and the late Lillian B. Horner Potts. She attended Caroline County schools and graduated from Lockerman High School in 1959. Until her passing she was a faithful member of the Lockerman School Association, Inc.  Jean continued her studies at Morgan State College (now University), where she majored in History. She was a proud Morganite and for years to come, she and her sisters supported the Morgan Bears, the orange and blue, at Homecoming, galas, and other events. Jeannie’s education prepared her to serve as a teacher, Writer Editor and, later, a Mineral Leasing Specialist with the United States Department of the Interior for over 35 years. Her job allowed her to see the United States, and in so doing, witness and capture the incredible sunsets for which she was so fond.

 Sister Gloria Jean Austin, affectionately known as Sister Jean was a shining star at Shiloh Baptist church of Landover. She was part of the Seniors Ministry and the Women’s Ministry.   With the Spirit of the Lord upon her, she would always have a kind endearing word for you.  Her smile and laughter will never be forgotten.  Sister Jean was patient and kind, and she loved the Lord and her Pastor and her Shiloh family. Pastor Colleton often commented on the beautiful cards she would send to him.   Sister Jean’s seat in the right front quadrant of the sanctuary is empty now, but  we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens and although we will miss her, we glory in the fact that she is with the father.

Jean was a Golden Life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated.  She was a local member in the Annapolis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. in Annapolis, MD.  She supported and participated in many of their activities.  She especially enjoyed working on the Scholarship Committee.  

Jean was an avid reader, a collector of dolls, owls, books  and plants.  She was a wizard on the sewing machine.  Jeannie loved playing cards and word games, hanging with her Petticoat Pals, and traveling. Her Gumbo parties and outdoor barbecues were legendary. Whenever her sisters ran away for the weekend, it was a good chance they were finding peace and sharing laughs at Jeannie’s home.

In addition to her parents, Jeannie is predeceased by her sister, Vivian “Diddy” Wilson and her only child Jimmie “Running Water” Austin-Luckett. She leaves to mourn three sisters, Lillian “Faye” Potts Minus (Fredric) of Smyrna, DE; Clara Potts Dixon (Leo) of Dover, DE; Melanie Boston (Allen) of West Windsor, NJ; Bernice Austin, a devoted friend and confidante, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and very close friends.

In Lieu of flowers please send monetary donations to Shiloh Baptist Church of Landover contact # 301-772-7333. 

*** NOTE:  The public viewing will be "walk through only" and the immediate family will hold a private funeral service immediately following the viewing. In an effort to keep everyone safe and to be in compliance with the COVID regulations, we are asking that you refrain from greeting the family during these services. All of your support and understanding is greatly appreciated. ***

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