Obituary of Dwight Austin

Dwight "Choke" Henry Austin was born in Monroe, on November 19, 1957. He was one of eight children from the union of the late Thomas "Ham" Austin and the late Mattie B. (Williams) Austin. Dwight was a basketball and track star at Monroe High School and graduated in 1975. Dwight supported his family working for Local 465 as a Laborer for approximately 8 years. His family was most important to him and he had a great love for his daughter and granddaughters. Dwight enjoyed traveling to Chicago to visit extended family and play horseshoes. Dwight gave his life over to the Lord 3 years ago and became an active Christian at Al Overstreet Evangelistic Ministry. Others were drawn to his uplifting spirit and sense of humor. He had a passion for sports, especially all Michigan teams. Dwight had an appreciation for Old School R&B and Jazz music. His quiet times were spent listening to music and reading the newspaper in his truck. Before he became ill, he enjoyed fishing. Dwight "Choke" Henry Austin, age 55 of Monroe passed away on Thursday, May 30, 2013 in his home. He was preceded in death by his parents: Thomas and Mattie Austin; his grandparents: Armiller and John Austin; an aunt: Peacolia Miller;a step-son: Román Jackson; a brother-in-law: Robert Todd; a niece: Kimberly Austin; and two nephews: Denzel Austin and Willie Austin Jr. To cherish his memory, he leaves his loving wife of 9 years: Janice "Polly" Austin; a daughter: Kelly (Ricardo)Adams-Duncan,; three step-daughters: Regina-Heidi Christopher, Yolanda (Maurice)Britt, and Michelle Jackson; two step-sons: Michael Jackson and Nolan Jackson; five sisters: Dorothy Todd and Barbara Austin, Jeanette Campbell, Ronke Austin, and Yolanda Austin; two brothers: Willie (Josephine)Austin Sr. and Laverne Austin; four grandchildren: Anissa and Kamari Adams and Kada and Lilea Duncan; many step-grandchildren; three step-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and a host of friends and loved ones. Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 8:00pm on Tuesday, June 4, 2013 at Merkle Funeral Home, South Monroe 14567 South Dixie Highway (734)241-7070(formerly Bennett Funeral Services). A Celebration of His Life will be held at 11:00am on Wednesday, June 5, 2013 also at Merkle Funeral Services. Pastor Al Overstreet of Al Overstreet Evangelistic Ministries will officiate. Procession will follow to Roselawn Memorial Park. Online guests may leave words of inspiration, comfort, share a photo, or make a donation by visiting www.merklefs.com and then selecting the Online Tributes page.