100 trips around the Sun

In Eagle Lake on Monday, Feb. 19, off Austin Road near Austin BBQ, home of Austin Grocery and near the Austin County line, Julia Maee Austin celebrated her 100th birthday.  

“I would have thought maybe 60s or 70s I never would have thought 100,” Austin said with a smirk, “God kept me hear for some reason though and I am very thankful.” 

Austin was joined by her two daughters, Gail Austin and Pam Hengst, and several other residents of Arbor Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center to celebrate the centenarian. 

“Even though she is 100 she is strong in her faith, loves to help people and still has a quick wit about her,” Gail Austin said while smiling. 

Austin began her celebration by listening to some scripture read by Arbor Hills Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center’s Activity Director Brenda Hull. Austin and Hull have known each other for quite some time, and Hull had nothing but good things to say about who Austin is a person. 

“It did not matter what the color of your skin was, where you came from or what you did in the past, Ms. Austin always wanted to help people out,” Hull said, “I remember she was always so kind when we would shop in their store, she always greeted us with a smile and made us feel so welcome and I have enjoyed spending time with her here.”  

Austin then went around the room and shook every person’s hand and thanked them for coming to her birthday party. Her daughters were unsurprised by their mother’s actions and simply said that is just who she is as a person.  

“At first it was kind of a casual thing like, ‘mom’s turning 100,’ but as it got closer, I really started to think of her and all the things she has done,” Hengst said, “Everything she has done for the community and helping out children she is just an icon.” 

Austin was a prominent leader in the community, helping under-privileged families and children learn English and other valuable skills to help get them caught up before sending them off to school.  

“I believe that if God puts something in your mind, you just do it because it’s his thought not yours and that’s all I did for those children,” Austin said.  

At the end of the party, Austin again thanked all the guests in attendance and gave some parting advice on how she made it to 100 years old. She put it simply: take care of your body and trust in God.