Augustine C. Williams Obituary (1926 - 2018)

Mrs. Augustine Coleman Williams, the daughter of Ben and Alene Coleman, transitioned to her Heavenly home on October 29, 2018 at her home while surrounded by family and friends. Mrs. Williams was born on August 1, 1926 in O'Donnell, Texas, a West Texas city that lies primarily in Lynn County, with a small portion extending south into Dawson County, Texas. Later, the family moved to San Angelo. She was baptized at an early age and united with the Brown CME Church. She was very involved in many facets of Christian work at Brown CME; most notably, as a Sunday School teacher and featured soloist in the choir. She attended the public schools in San Angelo and graduated from Blackshear High School. After graduation, she remained in San Angelo and eventually fell in love with David A. Williams, and they were united in holy matrimony on July 14, 1957. In 1963, the family relocated from San Angelo to Austin and united with Ebenezer Baptist Church under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Robert L. Rowe. Mrs. Williams found her place in both the Ebenezer Choir and the Gospel Choir as a faithful member and a frequent soloist. In 1969, the Williams family united with the First Baptist Church (Downtown) in Austin under the pastoral leaderships of Dr. William E. Denham and Dr. Browning Ware. Mrs. Williams again was a frequent soloist in the First Baptist Church Choir. In 1981, the Williams again reunited with Ebenezer where Mrs. Williams resumed her participation in the Sanctuary Choir and Women's Chorus. She remained active in the Music Ministry until her health began to decline. Mrs. Williams attended and graduated from Crescent Institute in Austin where she earned the distinction of becoming a licensed beautician as both an operator and instructor. She also earned the honor of being the first African American Director of Examination in the state of Texas. In the Austin community, she used her wonderful gift of understanding the psychology of effective haircare to start a very successful business as the founder and owner of the original Style Rite Beauty Salon. She coined the motto, "If you are not becoming to him, you ought to be coming to me!" As a result, she maintained devoted clients for many years. Upon the construction of the Street-Jones building in 2004, Mrs. Williams became the first business to occupy this new facility at 1l00 East 11th Street, in the heart of East Austin. She retired in 2014. Mrs. Williams was recognized by the Austin Revitalization Authority on February 20, 2018 for being the first occupant of the Street-Jones Building. Mrs. Williams was concerned about the preservation of African American history and culture and became the co-founder of Texas African American Organization (TAAHO). She and her husband were instrumental in heightening the significance of the rich history and culture of the African American experience throughout many communities in Texas. Mrs. Williams was predeceased by her parents; her sister, Mrs. Florine Frances; and a nephew, Mr. Benjamin Frances. She leaves to mourn her passing, her devoted husband of 61 years, Dr. David A. Williams; one son, Jackie Coleman of Houston; two step-sons, Stanley Williams of Garland and Ronald Williams of Austin; one grandson, Adrian Williams of Pflugerville; three granddaughters, Alivia Coleman and Carrietta Coleman of Houston, Layla Williams of Oklahoma City; nine great grandchildren; two great, great grandchildren; and a host of other cousins and friends.