Mary Ella (Duhon) Augustus was born on April 27, 1927, to the late Myrtle (Ellis) Huddleston and Henry Duhon, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. Her mother Myrtle later married David T. Huddleston, and under their union, Mary Ella was reared and spiritually guided with love and affection.

She was a lifelong resident of Lake Charles, having attended the public schools of Calcasieu Parish. Mary Ella    obtained her General Equivalency Diploma and a nursing assistant certificate from Sowela Technical Community College (formerly Institute). For Mary Ella, learning was beyond the classroom. She was dedicated to studying and expanding her knowledge through the Bible, reading, staying sharp on her math, or almost anything else.

At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior, was baptized, and joined New Light Baptist Church, where she was a dedicated member for years. In 1950 she joined Mount Calvary Baptist Church, where she was a devoted member until she departed this earth. In her early years at Mount Calvary, she sang in the   women's choir. Mrs. Augustus consistently attended Baptist Training Union and enjoyed teaching Sunday school for many years. Her ministry included Senior Mission, and she was a devoted midweek attendee. When not in church, she spent much of her time on prayer calls and visiting the sick.

She was united in Holy Matrimony to Joseph Augustus, Sr., in 1945. Their union was blessed with two children, Joseph Augustus, Jr., and Don Lee Augustus. She was preceded in her death by her husband of fifty-two years on July 16, 1997.

She took exceptional pride in being a devoted wife, mother, and homemaker. Her gifts and talents were bountiful, her singing voice memorable, and her dancing abilities phenomenal. As a gospel and blues soloist, she was sought after by local churches and organizations. She was an exceptional cook and baker. Mary Ella enjoyed preparing  holiday meals, her German Chocolate and Carrot Cake was unmatched, and her strawberry salad was delightful. She enjoyed fashion trends and shopping, and like many women of her day, she prided herself on presentation and etiquette.

Shortly after Hurricane Laura in August 2020, Mrs. Augustus moved to New Orleans, Louisiana, where she was a resident of the Landing at Behrman and the Suites at Algiers Point. While there, she embraced new social activities and made invaluable friendships.

Her Christian life was beautiful, and she will be remembered for her devotion to Christ and as a steadfast prayer warrior. Although small in stature, she was tenacious and persistent. Yet, she quietly departed this earth on      Monday, July 24, 2023, in Lake Charles, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her son, Don Lee Augustus (December 9, 2021); her sisters, Laura Lee (Huddleston) McMarion, Lillie Anne (Huddleston) Duhon, and brother, Dave Howard Huddleston. To mourn, Mrs. Mary Ella Augustus leaves her son, Joseph Augustus, Jr. of New     Orleans, LA; two daughters-in-law, Aubrie (Gradney) Augustus and Mary (Burke) Augustus; two grand-children, Andréa Augustus of New Orleans, LA, and Morgan Augustus of Harvey, LA; five great-grandchildren, Kevonte Francis, Marlee Duhon-Augustus, Kingston Don Augustus and Jordan Augustus all of Lake Charles and Alessandra Harvey of New Orleans; and her brother, David Frazier Huddleston (Gloria) of Rochester, New York; as well as a host of devoted nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.