July 25, 1929 – August 19, 2005
Elzary L. Diggs Austin was born July 25, 1929 to the union of Daniel Tyree Diggs and Sarah Jane Larry in Benton, Mississippi. In 1932 she was brought to St. Louis and raised by a cousin Ruby Caston Bowens and her husband Alexander.
Elzary was educated in St. Louis Public Schools and graduated at age 16 from Charles Sumner High School. Elzary later attended Harris Teacher’s College (now known as Harris-Stowe State University), earning a bachelor’s degree in education. She then taught in the St. Louis Public School System for 20 years, spending most of those years at Simmons Elementary.
Elzary was married to Arthur Kincade and had one son, Arthur Jr. She later married Daniel Austin, and this union was blessed with two daughters, Danielle and Michelle, and two sons, James and Michael. Daniel preceded her in death in February of 1990.
Elzary started singing at a young age and shared her talent with the world her entire life. Her love for serving the Lord led her to sing in many choirs throughout St. Louis, including the annual Martin Luther King Choir and a special performance for the Pope.
Elzary departed this life on Friday, August 19, 2005 at home with her family.
The wake will be held on Thursday, August 25 from 4 until 8 p.m. at Austin Layne Mortuary, 7239 West Florissant. Funeral services will be held Friday, August 26, at 9 a.m. at St. Elizabeth Catholic Church at 4330 Shreve.
