Bishop Emma Louise Austin

Emma Louise Thompson Austin of Kilgore, TX, was born December 7, 1947, to the parentage of the late Rev. Timothy E. Thompson and Lue Helen Thompson Simpson in Leary, TX. Emma was the second child of thirteen. She is preceded in death by her husband, the late Bishop P.D. Austin Jr., her father, mother, and five brothers.

Emma attended North Chapel School in her early years, and then CB Dansby School, where she participated in the band playing the drums.

Throughout the years, her various occupations included: house cleaning, cook for the Streamliner Cafe; reservation booking agent; Gregg County Precinct 3 Secretary; cook for Sabine ISD, and was an entrepreneur of Bishop's Best, with her husband, the late Bishop P.D. Austin, Jr. If you ever had the opportunity to eat there, you know why it was called Bishop’s Best.  The two of them were “THROWING DOWN!"

In 1966, she married the late Bishop P.D. Austin Jr., who was the love of her life, and his smile was her daily dose of happiness. He was the melody of her heart's song and the rhythm of her heartbeat. He was her sun, moon, and all of the glittering stars for 55 1/2 years . To this union, five children were born.

Emma was brought up in church, and she never forgot her teachings. Her spiritual journey began at an early age, with County Line Church of the Living God and Gloryland COGIC. Emma was called to the ministry and was ordained by Dr. L.B.T. Smith as a bishop. She was the Co-Pastor of True Saints Church of the Living God, and attended faithfully until her health declined, but even with this obstacle the two things she never forgot, was who God is, and the power of prayer. She would sometimes say her prayers three or four times before going to bed.

She leaves to cherish her memory five children, Mildred Austin Brittain, Michael G. Austin (Phyllis), Odis Ray Austin, Denika Thursby (Joske), and Sylvia Austin.  Seven Grandchildren, Marlana Stoker (Prenon), Michael J. Austin, Alexis Austin, Emerald Austin, Samaria Austin, Saqqara Sample, Jayonna Thursby, and four great-grandchildren, Za’Riyah, Da’Will, Chanel McCloud and Prenon Stoker. Four brothers, Timothy, Willie (Marsha), Clyde, and Vence Thompson. Three sisters, Betty Thompson, Teresa Bynum, and Vicki Haynes (Derrick). Honorary daughter, Reverend Marian Kennedy (Don), her nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and church family.