John YahYah Austin

After 62 years of being a “Genuine Austin” John departed this life on March 3, 2020 in Georgetown Washington, DC with loved ones by his side. John (Yahya) Garfield Austin, was born to Ralph and Rebecca Austin April 10, 1957 in Trenton, NJ. He was educated in the Lawrence Township Public School System and followed on by his service in the United States Navy where he was honorably discharged. He was very proud of his Veteran’s status.

John was quite an entrepreneur and started several prosperous businesses in his lifetime. He passed on his entrepreneurial spirit to his children as well. John was not one to hoard knowledge, if he knew something that could benefit himself, he shared it with you.

He loved to travel and spent countless hours on the road. While traveling, he would visit family and friends near and far. It was guaranteed to expect to see him at a family function or just knocking on your door out of the blue. People would always say “guess who just came by out of nowhere?” John Austin. If he didn’t visit you, you could expect to receive a call. A conversation with John would always be memorable and priceless.

A very religious man, he practiced his faith daily and enjoyed having deep discussions. For the past thirty years, John became an advocate for healthy living and a holistic lifestyle.

John was predeceased by his parents, Ralph and Rebecca Austin; son Yahya Austin, brothers Naim Bilal, Marvin Austin; sisters Jacqueline Reed Muhammed (Makail), Cheryl Ann Austin and Andrea Upshur.

John leaves to continue the legacy with children: Nasheena Parish (Dumoriea),           Atiya Lynch (Glenn), Tiffany McKinnon, Raheim McKinnon, Omar Williams,           Yaas Williams, Johar Austin, 16 grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He leaves his brothers Algie Tyriq Austin, Harold Austin, David Barnes and Lionel Upshur; sisters Phillis Austin Copeland (Ernest), Barbara Wright, Suzanne Austin, and Theresa Barnes a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces, cousins and friends.

To know John was to know and believe that he was going to come see about you. He made it his business to know his family and make sure his family knew him. He will be truly missed.

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