Jerome Lee Austin affectionately known as "Rome" departed this life on Thursday, March 20, 2025, at Capital Health Regional Medical Center in Trenton, NJ, surrounded by his loved ones.

He was born November 7, 1988 in Trenton New Jersey to Veronica Austin and the late Ronald Ellis, Jr. He was educated in the Morrisville, PA public schools before moving to Trenton, NJ. He graduated from Trenton Central High School and furthered his education by attending a trade school for auto technician.

Jerome loved spending time with his daughter who was the joy of his world. As a mechanic, you could always find him working on someone's car. You knew he was soon to arrive because you'd hear the music before you saw him, G-Unit. He loved spending time with his family and would show to any and all events. He loved to smile and joke. He had punch lines for days and sarcasm for years. He only wanted to have fun.

Jerome was predeceased by his father, Ronald J. Ellis, Jr.; maternal great grandparents, Ralph and Rebecca Austin; maternal grandfather, Nairn Bilal; maternal great uncles, John Austin and Marvin Austin; maternal great aunts, Jacqueline Reed-Muhammad, Cheryl Ann Austin, and Andrea Upshur; paternal grandparents, Robert Sr. and Josephine Ellis; paternal uncle, Kevin Ellis; paternal aunt, Sheryl Ellis.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving daughter, Nyla Dowling-Aus- tin; mother, Veronica Austin whom he cherished; two brothers, Donte Austin and Dae'von Austin; a sister, Aaliyah Jenkins-Austin; two brothers, Kevin and Kyle Stevens; grandmother, Mary Prather of NC; aunts: Teresa Austin, Faith Griffin, Hope Lane-Ingram (William), Stacy Bethea, Nadirah Austin, Phillis Copeland, Barbara Wright, Suzanne Austin, Theresa Barnes, Shelia Graham, Rosalind Ellis, Caronda Ellis, and Shelia Ellis; uncles: Donald Prather, James Blount (Angel), Robert Wilson, Algie Tariq Austin, Harold_Austin, David Barnes, Lionel Upshur, Michael Jackson (Karen), Nairn Austin, and Kalik Lane (Shamira); two nephews, Donte Jr. and Calvin Austin; a special friend and mother of his child, Tieka Dowling; special cousin and "Fav", Traichelle Austin; a special aunts, Denna Watson (Allan) and Sharon Jenkins; a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends including his best friends, Clinton Emanuel and Lucas Rosado.

Funeral service will be 2pm Friday, March 28, 2025 at Trinity Cathedral, 801 W. State St, Trenton, NJ 08618.  Calling hour will be 1pm until the time of service.  Interment will be private.