Auston Thomas Wards, Jr.

Auston Thomas Wards, Jr. was born on June 8, 1954, the seventh of ten children born to Auston Thomas Wards, Sr. and Georgia Clemons Wards. A native of Jacksonville, Florida, he attended Duval County Public Schools and graduated from New Stanton Senior High School, Class of 1972.

Auston was raised in a Christian home where the love of God was always present. From a young age, while attending the family’s home church, St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal, he learned the importance of putting God first and caring for family-values he carried with him throughout his life.

Named after his father, he was affectionately called “Junior” by many. His close friends lovingly called him “Crow,” a nickname that caught on with nieces and nephews who fondly referred to him as “Uncle Crow.”

Auston was very active in his early adult years. He enjoyed fishing, played on softball teams, and loved traveling with coworkers and friends. Over time, he developed a strong interest in civics and became well versed in national politics. He regularly tuned in to MSNBC, CNN, and the Joe Madison radio show, often sparking deep conversations with friends and family about current events and justice.

He also took great pride in preserving the family’s legacy by tending to the affairs of the family farm in Hawkinsville, Georgia. Auston was the grill master at family barbecues, welcomed everyone into his home for holiday gatherings, and was an avid Spades player. His favorite partner at the card table was his mother-in-law, affectionately known as “Lil Bit.”

He worked at Cleaners Hangers Company for over twenty-eight years and later became the Union Representative for the local Teamsters Union. A staunch advocate for fairness and equal opportunity, Auston worked tirelessly to ensure a safe and just work environment. His coworkers appreciated his fearless advocacy and commitment to doing what was right. Many affectionately said, “Auston, Auston, he’s, our man. If he can’t fix it, no one can.” Because of his sharp insight and leadership, he became known in the family as “the family lawyer.” If you needed advice on anything legal, Junior was the one to call. After Cleaners Hangers Company closed, Auston began working at the Kraft Heinz Processing Plant, where he remained until his retirement in 2013.

In his later years, Auston found joy in yard work, cultivating lemon trees, traveling, and embracing a peaceful retirement. He also rededicated his life to his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and became a member of Harmony Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor James Anthony Walton.

From labor to reward, he is now resting with his Lord. Auston was preceded in eternal rest by his beloved parents, Auston T. Wards, Sr. and Georgia Clemons Wards; his only son and namesake, Auston “A.T.” Wards, III, whom he loved so dearly and was immensely proud of; his sisters, Lillian E. Raley, Priscilla E. Morrison, and Emma Wards; his father-in-law, Leonard Tookes, Sr.; and his brothers-in-law, Weaver Raley, Leonard Tookes, Jr., and Leonard Miller.

Junior leaves behind a devoted family to cherish his memory, his loving wife of thirty-one years, Yvette Tookes Wards; his daughters, Ronetta P. Wards, Ph.D., and Aunekia Westcott; his daughter-in-law, Tricia Gittens Wards; and his precious grandchildren, Brooklyn A. Wards and Bryce Auston Wards. His legacy is also carried on by his siblings, Walter T. Wards, Sr., E. Omar Kashif (Miriam), Shawn H. Kashif, Garry M. Wards, Gail Wards Upson (Laronza), and Elijah L. Wards (Priscilla). He is also survived by his beloved mother-in-law, Eura L. Tookes; and his brothers and sisters-in-law, Kenny Tookes (Fernesa), Lawrence Tookes (Debora), Gregory Tookes, Laron “Corey” Tookes (Tisha), Deborah Miller, Berlinda Tookes, and Carlene Tookes. Auston’s presence will be deeply missed by his many nieces, nephews, cousins, lifelong friends, and cherished neighbors.

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Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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