The community filled pews at the Layne Renaissance Chapel at 7302 West Florissant Ave. in Jennings on Saturday, May 3. They were not mourning the loss of someone special. They were celebrating “a real hero and champion in the St. Louis community,” District Elder Ronald E. Stephens said of Austin A. Layne Jr.
In March, the Austin A. Layne, Jr. Way honorary street sign was installed at West Florissant Avenue and Jennings Station Road. A second sign is located further down the street near Sunbury and West Florissant avenues.
“The purpose of a street sign is to tell you where you are and where you’re going,” Stephens said. “The purpose of a street sign is to draw customers to your business. The purpose of a street sign is to stabilize the value and culture of a community.”
Stephens, Layne’s pastor at Temple Church of Christ, defined a hero as someone who is admired for great or brave acts. He said Layne (and his good deeds) will never be forgotten.
It was Susan E. House’s vision to recognize Layne, a gesture she said was long overdue. House served as chair and organizer of the Austin A. Layne, Jr. Way Committee. House’s vision became a reality after several months of challenges and opposition from some in the community, she said. She thanked County Councilwoman Hazel Erby, who was in attendance, for being instrumental in getting the signs.
House glanced directly at Layne when she said, “Not only do you make a difference, you are the difference. A true giant is not measured by height. A true giant is measured by footprints. And Mr. Layne, you are a true giant.”
Other church leaders in attendance included Pastor B.T. Rice of New Horizon Seven Day Christian Church, the Rev. Robert C. Scott of Central Baptist Church and Father Bob Gettinger of St. Augustine Catholic Church.
Layne was visibly moved and could be seen dabbing at tears with a handkerchief during the two-hour long program. Layne was pleasantly surprised and said he never dreamed that someone would honor him in such a way.
“You never know what you’re thought of until somebody lets you know,” Layne said. “I tell my staff all the time, ‘Be careful! You never know who’s watching.’”
Layne established the Austin A. Layne Mortuary, Inc. in 1979, after serving as funeral director and embalmer for the Wade Funeral Home. He independently owns two additional facilities: the Layne Renaissance Chapel and Layne Normandy Chapel. His business ensures gainful employment for African-American men and women and has generated significant tax revenue for the county and state.
Layne has served citizens (black and white) throughout the St. Louis metropolitan area in their time of need. Several people, such as long-time staff member Pat Miller, spoke of Layne’s compassionate nature. Miller shared the story of a young lady who was going to use her scholarship money to bury her mother, but Layne wouldn’t take the money.
Layne received proclamations Governor Jay Nixon, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and County Executive Charlie A. Dooley, to name a few. Dellwood Mayor Reginald Jones expressed love for Layne.
“And, yes I have the biggest proclamation today,” Jones joked.
Jones’ mother, Ann Jones, served as co-chair on the committee that organized the effort.
St. Louis Alderman Chris Carter, 27th Ward, said Layne was a personal friend of his grandmother, the late state Senator Paula J. Carter. Even at a young age, Carter said, he was aware that he was in the presence of a “prestigious individual.” Carter thanked Layne for his devotion to his family.
“We have been through so much together. He buried my uncle right here,” Carter said, referring to former 27th Ward Alderman Gregory J. Carter.
Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.
