Ersa W. Austin Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

On Friday, September 30, 2016 Ersa Louise Whitlow-Austin found her path to Glory. Ersa was born April 8,1940 in Warren County, Bowling Green, Kentucky. She was the daughter of the late Chester Whitlow and Maereeth Kurkendall Whitlow. Ersa was a 1958 graduate of High Street School and earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees from Western Kentucky University. She was a dedicated primary school teacher in the Warren County School System for 30 years at Bristow Elementary School. In 1992 Ersa was named Outstanding Educator in Warren County. Ersa and Herschel “Skip” H. Austin, Jr were joined in marriage, December 24, 1958 in Bowling Green, KY, and to this union their son, Carey Phillip Austin was born. Ersa was a member of State Street Baptist Church, where she served as Superintendent of the Sunday School, a member of the N.J. Temple Missionary Society, Chairman of the Alms Committee, Assistant Church Clerk, a member of the Usher Board, Vacation Bible School Superintendent and Bible Study Teacher. Ersa was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority for 40 years. She was initiated into Beta Rho Omega Chapter of Hopkinsville, KY in 1976. She became a charter member of Omicron Sigma Omega Chapter in Bowling Green, KY in 1985. As a member of Omicron Sigma Omega Chapter, she served as Treasurer, Membership Chairman, Fashion Show Co-Chairman, Health Fair Co-Chairman, Kentucky State Choir Co-Chairman, Unity Day and Food for Needy Families Co-Chairman. Ersa also served as Western Kentucky University’s Epsilon Zeta Chapter Graduate Advisor for more than 25 years. Ersa received Alpha Kappa Alpha Honors: Beta Rho Omega Outstanding Service Award, Omicron Sigma Omega Soror of the Year, Kentucky Girl Scouts Science Award, Central Region Outstanding Graduate Advisor, Chairman, Central Region Cluster VI and VII Area Retreat, Soror Through the Years Award, Sergeant at Arms Regional Conference Chairman. Ersa also served on the International Heritage and Audit Committees. She also served as presenter at the Central Regional Conference Workshop. Ersa worked faithfully serving her community. She diligently served on the Bowling Green Human Rights Commission Board and was a member of the George Washington Carver Club. Ersa was presented with the: 2004 Bowling Green Human Rights Commission Woman of Distinction, and the NAACP Community Support Award. When Ersa received the nation’s Prestigious Jefferson Award for public service, the Bowling Green Daily News declared, “When it comes to selfless acts of community service, there are few people who have compiled a record that Ersa Whitlow Austin has.” Ersa is survived by her husband of 57 years, Herschel “Skip” H. Austin, Jr. Son, Carey Phillip Austin, Devoted niece and caregiver, Twila (Austin) Markray, Theresa Ann Walker-Fuller, Howard (Loretta) Whitlow, Temia Whitlow, Debra (Kenny) Stovall, Brent (Darlene) Whitlow, Corey Whitlow, Sushama Austin –Connor, Dr. Julian Austin, Dr. Leah Austin-Neal, Ariana Austin and a host of great nieces, great nephews, cousins, in-laws: Tina Whitlow and Dr. Bobby (Joy) Austin. Ersa was preceded in death by her brothers; Reginald Whitlow and Glen Whitlow. Sincerely, -Your friends at Burnam and Son

Ersa W. Austin

April 8, 1940 - September 30, 2016

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