Jeanne Cunningham Augustine

Jeanne Marie Cunningham Augustine was born on June 5, 1930 to parents Edna "Ruby" Francis and Joseph H. Cunningham. She grew up in New Orleans, where she attended James Lewis Elementary School, J.W Hoffman Junior High, and graduated from McDonough No. 35 Senior High School in 1946. She finished in the top 20% of her class, while serving as a member of the French Club, Science Club, and Office Club. Jeanne Cunningham entered Dillard University in the fall of 1946, where she majored in Secondary Education with a concentration in Social Studies and English. She graduated from Dillard in May 1950 at nineteen years old. Because of her age, Jeanne was considered too young to be hired for a secondary teaching position in New Orleans. She therefore began her teaching career, in the fall of 1950, at Carver High School in Breaux Bridge, Louisiana. She later returned to New Orleans and taught English and Social Studies at the then-newly opened Carter G. Woodson School in uptown New Orleans. In the fall of 1961, she was assigned to her alma mater, McDonough No. 35, where she taught Social Studies and English for over 35-years. Affectionately known as "Mrs. Aug," she served on several school committees, including Senior Chapel, Last Class, and Cultural Arts. It was also during her tenure as an educator that she was initiated into the New Orleans Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. Mrs. Aug retired in 1995, after having taught multiple generations. For more than 60-years, she was also a very active member of Pilgrim's Rest Baptist Church #2, where she ably assisted with multiple ministries. Mrs. Aug’s lifetime of service, especially in the field of education, continues to inspire her children, grandchildren, and others. To help preserve her legacy and make higher education possible for others, to honor the 70th anniversary of her college graduation, her family established the Jeanne Cunningham Augustine Endowed Scholarship at Dillard University. Jeanne Cunningham Augustine was preceded in death by her loving husband, Henry Louis Augustine, Sr.; parents, Edna "Ruby" Francis and Joseph H. Cunningham; stepfather, Webster Francis, Sr. "Daddy"; one sister, Beatrice Cunningham Johnson; and one brother, Webster Francis, Jr. She leaves to cherish her loving memory her daughter, Deborah Augustine Elam; son, the Reverend Dr. Jonathan Cunningham Augustine (Michelle); stepson, Dr. Henry Louis Augustine, Jr.; granddaughters, Katherine Marie Elam, Alexandra Jeanne Elam, Jillian Claire Augustine; step granddaughters, Yolanda Rene Augustine, Kimberly Louise Augustine, Angelina Maria Augustine; sisters, Mary Francis Byrd, Ethel "Mildred" Francis Dinnwiddie (Julius), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, former students and friends. The family will celebrate the life of Mrs. Jeanne Cunningham Augustine at Dillard University Lawless Memorial Chapel on Friday, July 17, 2020. Please join by live stream at 11:00am CST. https://vimeo.com/event/168234. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Jeanne Cunningham Augustine scholarship fund.https://dillarduniversity.networkforgood.com/projects/95035-jeanne-augustine-endowed-scholarship-fund. Visitation will be held at Dillard University Lawless Memorial Chapel from 9:30 am - 10:50 am. Due to COVID-19, we ask those who are attending to wear a mask at all times. Interment: Providence Memorial Park Cemetery. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook, share memories and condolences for the family.

Jeanne Cunningham Augustine

July 12, 2020