Jacqueline “Jackie” Austin Leonard transitioned peacefully to her heavenly home on September 29, 2022, in the highly skilled and knowledgeable care of Duke University Hospital. Her heart was at peace knowing her beloved boys are now married and that she accomplished all she was entrusted to do in her lifetime.

Jacqueline was born on September 28, 1949, in Birmingham, Alabama to the late Mary K. and John Grady Austin. She was educated in the Birmingham City Schools and took great pride in graduating from A.H. Parker High School. Let’s Go Herd! Let’s Go! Jacqueline continued her education at Booker T. Washington Business College and went on to work and retire from AT&T (formerly known as South Central Bell/Bell South).

Her strong foundation in God was first laid at St. Joseph’s Baptist Church: the home church of Mama Sally, her late maternal grandmother. Jacqueline went on to be a life-long member of New Pilgrim Baptist church, under the leadership of the late Civil Rights great Reverend N. H. Smith, Jr. and the late Pastor James H. Brooks.

Jacqueline was a loving and caring mother, daughter, sister, aunt, grandmother, and friend. Her pleasant personality, warm smile, and infectious laughter welcomed everyone. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life: Mongolian Beef and barbecue ribs/“rib bones”, the Hallmark channel, Perry Mason, daytime soap operas, especially General Hospital, and her beloved Chicago Bears. She also loved good times with family and friends, and occasional lunch dates with her retired coworkers. She kept her mind sharp with word search puzzles and daily conversations with “her ladies”.

Jaqueline is survived by her sons, Derrick Wayne (Mia) of Nashville, TN and Brian Keith (Nicole) of Cary, NC, one granddaughter, Olivia Grace of Cary, NC, one niece, Sharon Dabbs-Harris of Birmingham, AL and her sister, Annie Ciel Williams of Orlando, FL. She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mary K. and John Grady Austin, her sister, Florine Wright, her brothers, John Austin, Jr. and James Austin, and her second granddaughter Samiyah Grace Leonard.

In preparation for her return to her Heavenly Father, Jacqueline requested to be cremated and blessed over a body of water. Her memory will be honored with family and friends at a Memorial Service in Birmingham, Alabama. Plans are incomplete at this time. Please check this page for updates.