Min. Sandra Austin

A much-loved wife, mother, daughter, sister and aunt, Sandra Capehart Austin, 74, of Hampton, Virginia passed away peacefully at her home February 15, 2026. She was born March 16, 1951, in Ahoskie, North Carolina and resided in Hampton, Virginia for the past 7 years, having moved from Suffolk, Virginia in 2014. She graduated from G.W. Carver High School in 1969, as Salutatorian, and received a Bachelor of Theology from Bethesda Bible Institute & Seminary and Messenger School of Counseling in 2009. She was a licensed pastoral counselor. Sandra was a human resources manager at the Virginia Department of Transportation and retired in 2014, after 30 years of service.

She married Bernard N. Austin (retired VDOT also) and lived in Suffolk, Virginia. Together they raised a daughter (US Navy veteran), and a son (gifted musician). Sandra was a lifelong member of Antioch Baptist Church, Newport News, where William O. Greene, Jr., was the pastor (retired). Sandra taught the new members class, and later taught Wednesday noon bible study. Sandra began her serious Christian journey in February 2001 when Pastor William O. Greene, Jr., ordained her as the first female deacon at Antioch Baptist Church. Sandra was honored as a deacon by the Hampton-Newport News Area Deacon’s Council in 2003. Subsequently, in a dream, the Spirit of Jesus told her, “In ministry, I will take you places you have never been!” Sandra accepted the call and was licensed to preach May 13, 2004. She was ordained as a Reverend July 30, 2006. Sandra enjoyed the study and teaching of God’s Word. Sandra was a voracious reader before her eyesight failed. She enjoyed watching football games and was a loyal Dallas Cowboys fan.

She was predeceased by husband, Bernard N. Austin, her brother, Terry Capehart, mother, Ruth Shaw Capehart, and father, William Capehart, and a special aunt, Doris Govan, of Camden NJ. She is survived by her daughter Gwen Miller (John), son, Bryan Bernard Austin, brothers, David Capehart, husband of Cheryl, Daniel Capehart, husband of Anna, god-daughter, Grace Robinson, and a host of relatives and friends.

“She fought a good fight, she kept the faith, she won the race!”

It is the desire of the Austin family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Min. Sandra Austin has entrusted her final care to C. C. Carter Funeral Home.

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