Obituary of Willie Jo Austin

Our family lost our beloved matriarch on 4 Nov 2019 - Willie Jo Brewster was born 20 Sep 1926 in Wellington, Texas, to Travis and Hixie DeArman Brewster. She was a child of the Great Depression, coming of age at the close of World War II. She was devoted to her family - her adored older brother Wendell predeceased her, but she always desired to stay in touch with his children and cousins of her youth. She married WWII vet L.M. “Slats” Austin, Jr. in Lubbock, Texas, both Texas Tech students. As usual at the time, their first child was welcomed a year later, followed by two more, all equally loved. As a Tech student, she had thought to work for an oil company in South America, taking business and Spanish classes. She changed her mind when she met her beloved “Ayul Eum,” pronounced in her heavy Texas accent. They met while they were bowling in Sep 1945, engaged on their first date, and married 27 Jan 1946. Their marriage was a happy one, as they stood together through the joys and trials that 66 years of marriage bring. They transplanted to Oregon in 1964 and were always content with that decision. Slats was an electrical engineer by training, and they owned an energy consulting business after their move. Slats predeceased her in 2012, together having three children: Karen (Bob Blum), Craig (Jamie Farah Austin), and Lynne (Dave Carrano); 7 grandchildren and 8 great- grandchildren. Grandchildren most often mentioned her unconditional love, followed closely by her “nail sharp” intellect. She could remember just about any past occurrence - date, day and detail. She enjoyed playing bridge, as it combined friends and thinking. She also loved to sing and could power-whistle. Outings with grandkids in the car were usually accompanied by family favorite songs. With her excellent memory, she was able to recall stories of her country kin in a distant past, acquainting this generation with the humanity, toil and courage of generations past. Grandkids also mentioned dinners for extended family and that she remembered each person’s favorite food. We honor and remember her with much love. Funeral services will be held at St John the Baptist Episcopal Church 6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland, OR 97223 on Saturday November 16th at 1:30 PM In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Saint Gabriel Episcopal Church 17435 NW West Union Rd, Portland, OR 97229 or St John the Baptist Episcopal Church 6300 SW Nicol Rd, Portland, OR 97223.