Astra Johns Eaglin

     Astra Lucille Johns Eaglin was born on August 8, 1944, to her proud parents, Frank Henri and Pearl Lois (Harris)
Johns. She was raised in Chicago, Illinois, alongside her two younger sisters, Francine (“Frannie” or “DaDear”) and Pearl (“Baby Sister” or “Petie”). From an early age, Astra was a charming young lady, loved by her friends and elders, especially within her church community. She participated in school and church activities and seriously took her role as the oldest sister, always striving to set an example for her younger sisters.

   Astra accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior at an early age and was baptized at Beth Eden Baptist Church in Morgan Park, a suburb of Chicago. Her faith and her church community remained an important part of her life. She sang in the choir and served on the usher board, while also pursuing the many interests that reflected her curiosity,creativity, and unmistakable sense of style. She attended charm school and millinery classes, learning the art of hat-making, and played both the piano and organ, performing in several music recitals.

   Astra was a true “girly-girl.” She may not have cared much for bugs or camping, but that did not stop her from shenanigans as both a Brownie Scout and Girl Scout, even attending camp with her sisters in Dan Ryan Woods. Beauty, brains,bravery, green eyes, and grace. That was our sister. 

   Astra attended Morgan Park High School and graduated in June 1962. She planned to attend Chicago Teachers College that fall, but instead, on September 15, 1962, she married her childhood sweetheart, Edward Eugene Eaglin,a Sergeant in the U.S. Army. What began as a young romance blossomed into a loving marriage and a lifetime together. 

   Astra gave birth to their two oldest sons in Frankfurt, Germany. Edward was later stationed in Vietnam until injuries sustained during the war brought him home. The family eventually settled in Richmond, California, where Astra and Edward welcomed another son and daughter and opened their home and hearts to several adopted children, embracing each of them as their own. Together, they built a large and loving family. Astra had the joy of watching her children grow and build lives of their own, blessing her with many grandchildren and a lifetime of treasured memories. 

   Astra was preceded in death by her grandparents, Luther and Grace Johns (“Grandma & Granddad”) and Parker and Lucille Harris (“Papa & Mama”); her parents, Frank and Pearl Johns; her son, Anthony E. Eaglin, Sr. “BB”; and her daughter, Brandi Michelle Boyd. 

   Astra is survived by her beloved husband, Edward Eugene Eaglin; her children, Edward Parker Eaglin, Sr. “EP”,(Felicia), Michael Brandon Eaglin, Sr. (Sitarah), Forrest Bradford (Amanda), Myria L. Harris (Randy), and James Ty Bradford (Andrea); her sisters, Francine H. Smith (Nixon) and Pearl L. Johns; her brothers, Gregory Coleman (Roni),Charles Coleman, Jr. (Sandy), Stephen Coleman (Sonja), and Stacey Wilkins (Leilani); and her only cousin, Cedric Berryhill (Sheila). 

   Astra was loved and sweetly adored by all of her grandchildren: Aston (Kendall), Allen, Edward Jr. (Leah), Daphne,Anthony Jr. “BB”, Ashanti, Sean Keith, Taylor, Michael II “Deuce”, Jarrod Jr., Jaineicia (Chris), Janae, Jade, Nataya,Arianna, A’Ja, Pilar, Aiden, Ian, Delilah, Rochelle “Rockie”, Jalen, Destiny, Sierra, Bryce, Sadie, and Savannah.She was lovingly called “Nanny” by a host of great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.Astra also shared a deep and treasured friendship with her Bestie BFF, Eloise Hulitt (Robert), whose warmth and devotion enriched her life for decades. She will be deeply missed by her Seasonal Sister, Sharon F. Culpepper, with whom she shared endless laughter, conversations, and precious memories. Her kind heart, her humor, and the joy she brought to those around her will be forever remembered by her devoted circle of dear friends.Astra leaves behind a beautiful legacy of faith, family, friendship, love, and laughter. She was a wife and childhood sweetheart, a mother, sister, grandmother, Nanny, and cherished friend. The many lives she touched, and the family she loved so deeply, will carry her memory forward.

   A Memorial Service to honor her will be held on Saturday, August 29, 2026 at 2pm at the Chapel of McReynolds - Nave and Larson Funeral Home in Clarksville, TN. The family will receive friends from 12:00 until the hour of service. A Celebration of Life honoring Astra will be held in Northern California at a date to be determine