Renowned artist, Augusta Asberry, died Wednesday, September 26, 2007 at UW Medical Center, Seattle. She was 75. Known for her portrayal of African Women Dancers with uniquely colorful customs. She was recently elected president of Women Painters of Washington. Born November 6, 1931 to Isaac and Lena Papillon of Lake Charles, Louisiana, first of ten children. Augusta and her family moved to California in the early 1940's. Augusta, known then as Gussie, was the first black student at Albany HS, Albany, California, where she graduated in 1949. She married Jewel Bennett in 1950. She obtained a degree in nursing at Herrick Hospital, Berkeley in 1957. Augusta emerged as distinguished professional artist after marriage to Walter Asberry in 1978 and moving to Bremerton. She is survived by husband, Walter Asberry; three children, Carol, Akili and Christopher; two step-sons, Michael and Joey; six grandchildren, nine brothers and sisters.