Romadelle Austin

Dear Mom, you were born January 23, 1924 to Rome and Shirley McNair.  You’ve lived in Danville mostly all your life and graduated from Danville High School, you then went to SIU-Carbondale.

You were the FIRST in so many capacities.  The 1st BLK Woman to be hired at General Electric, the 1st Female Police Officer for the City of Danville.  You fulfilled other roles which during your time was rare.   We were all so proud of your bravery and fortitude to withstand the hardships and racial disparities of that era.

You enjoyed and loved your CME Church as Class Leader, singing in the Episcolite Choir, Bible Study and visiting the sick.  You were the oldest living member in the Carter Metropolitan District of Churches at 99 years of age.

You married my father Eddie White in the late 1940’s, in a few years I was born.  You were dedicated and devoted to your family and friends.  Everyone loved and admired you.  You had class, style and you were a sharp dresser.  Over the years you founded a Social Club which you named “The Ritzy Matrons”.

You were previously married to William C. Austin, my stepfather, a extremely nice and quit man.  One day I married and had your grandson Zyre who was the apple of your eye.  Now you have two (2) great-grandchildren Zanaa and Kyndal who are so sweet, kind, intelligent and well mannered.  Zyre and Keeshunta’ are doing a great job with them.  They made you so proud.

We had so many fun times together.  Road Trips, dining out, shopping, etc.  Then one day you became ill.  We didn’t understand what was going on but you slowed down and your brilliant mind began to lose recall.  We finally came to terms with a lot going on. 

When you left me last Friday, March 24, 2023, I developed a hole in my soul.  I love you so very, very much.  Your loving ways and great spirit will remain close within me.

Mom, you’re the greatest person I’ve ever known.  You are free now, no more pain and you’re living in the Spiritual Realm with our God.  I miss you so bad.  I held your hand and loved on you when you took your last breath.  My Mother, my Hero, step into heaven and live your life up there like its golden. 

 Your Daughter,

            Toni

Preceded in death by parents and one (1) brother, Leroy C. McNair.

A Homegoing Celebration will commence at 3:00 P.M. Sunday April 2, 2023 at Carter Metropolitan CME Church 448 E. Williams St, Danville. A visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until 5:00 P.M. on Saturday April 1, 2023 at Leek & Sons Funeral Home 304 E. Williams St. Burial will be held at 10:00 A.M. Monday April 3, 2023 at Springhill Cemetery.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Romadelle Austin, please visit our floral store.