Rev. John Wesley Austin transitioned to be with the Lord December 17, 2021. He was born May 15, 1954 to Stanley and Dorothy (Blankenship) Austin in Kansas City, MO. He moved to Milwaukee, WI as a young child, moving to Rockford, in 1964. John joined New Zion Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. Clayborn Salter where he met his wife Rhonda Hanserd. They were married November 30, 1974, a union of 47 years. He joined New Fellowship Baptist Church in 2004 under the leadership of Rev. Charles Threadgill, Sr., where he taught the Men's Sunday school class, the Layman's and was over the Jail Ministry.  In January of 2021 he united with Unity Love Church under the leadership of Rev. Joseph Herron, he taught Sunday School and brought the message every 4th Sunday.

John attended Judson University and Garrett Evangelical Theological Institute. John was employed for 26 years as a Certified Journeyman Wireman (Electrician) for the IBEW until his retirement May 15, 2014.

John loved to read, teach, he loved people and he loved sharing with them what he read and about the Lord. He loved a good Spades or Bid Whist game, but most of all he loved being with his family, especially the grandchildren and great grandchildren.

John leaves to cherish many memories his wife Rhonda, one son Juliun (Shavon) Austin, five daughters Katina (Rev. Rodney) Hayes, Michelena (William) Sayvor, Tuere'(Derrick) DuBois, April Rogers, and Naomi Austin, all of Rockford, 17 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren and 8 God children, two brothers Johnnie (Duchess) Bernard, Hawaii, Howard Austin, Milwaukee, WI, three sisters Laura (Andrew) Foreman, Rockford, Lovenia (Willie T) Hampton, Milwaukee, WI and Carol Austin, Rockford. His bonus families Emmanuel & Olepa, Chungara Gene & Felista and Majumma & Lusi.  Best friend Rev. Joseph Herron, His circle of friends Eugene Houston, Rev. Chester & Doris Baker and Skip & Paulette Gilbert, many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

John was predeceased by his parents, brothers Willie, Brian and Kenneth Austin, Sisters, Beatrice Scott and Paulette Austin.

Special thanks to Northern Illinois Hospice, Loyola Cancer Center (Dr. Richard Bowwerdale and Dr. Sarah Kramer) and Swedish American Cancer Center. Rev. K. Edward Copeland and New Zion Baptist Church Family and a BIG thank you to Rev. Joseph Herron and Unity Love Church Family.

Services will be held 1:00 p.m. Monday, December 27, 2021 at New Zion Missionary Baptist Church 4726 Jasper Street. Burial in Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be held 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.