Willia D. Augustus

Mrs. Willia Dean Mikell Augustus was born on March 23, 1929, in St. Matthews, South Carolina. After a sudden and brief stay at the Medical University of South Carolina, she departed her earthly home for her heavenly home, on Sunday, May 10, 2026.

Mrs. Augustus was reared by her parents, George and Angie Rumph, and her grandparents, Willie “Papa” and Amelia Mikell. She received her education in the public school system of Richland County School District One. 

Early in life, she would meet and marry James Augustus, Jr., who founded and managed the well-known gospel group, The Six Voices of Zion. Together they continued raising their family and building a legacy in the Columbia area. 

Willia Dean would later enroll into the Certified Nursing Technician program at the former Columbia Hospital (now Prisma Health Richland). While there, she was one of a few African Americans to enroll into this program. She later worked within various departments of the hospital, and also as a youth counselor at the Department of Juvenile Justice, where she would later retire.

While her children were young, Willia Dean Augustus did something that changed her destiny and the lives of her offspring forever. She gave her life to Christ. But she did not just give her life to Christ; she diligently and sacrificially served Christ. She did this by giving herself to prayer and fasting on a regular basis, working within various ministries, and serving her family.

Her quiet demeanor carried a strength that shook the heavens and hell. Those who knew her knew that she was a prayer warrior. It was her prayer and her intercession to God that has kept us as a family. There have been instances that would have led to utter calamity, but we had a praying mother and grandmother. She interceded on our behalf, and God blessed us, even when we did not deserve it.

Willia Dean Augustus touched the lives of many, many people in so many ways. In her sixty (60) plus years of service in Christ, she served as an evangelist and intercessor within the body of Christ. She also served as a founding member of the Bible Way of Piedmont Ministries Church Gospel Choir, as well as, Sunday School Superintendent. Together, she and her husband, Deacon James Augustus, Jr., also served faithfully in the capacity of community leaders.

In addition to her parents, she was also preceded in death by her husband James Augustus, Jr.; and her three children, Billie, Frank, and Jennifer.

Those left to cherish her memories are her children, James of Sterling, VA, Jimmy, Glen, and Anthony all of Columbia, SC, Gloria (Willie) Reese of Columbia, SC, Angela (Robert) Davidson of Dallas, TX, Audrey Taylor and Stacey Nash, both of Columbia, SC; one sister, Ophelia Milton of Tacoma, WA; at least twenty-four (24) grandchildren; twenty-six (26) great-grandchildren; five (5) great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and other loving relatives and dear friends, all of whom will dearly miss her, but rejoice that she is now with the Lord.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Willia D. Augustus, please visit our floral store.