Nettie Augustus Dunnigan was born on February 16, 1948 in Greenville, Mississippi to the union of Hudson Augustus and Mary (nee) Johnson Augustus who both preceded her in death. At an early age, she confessed a hope in Jesus Christ.

Nettie was born and raised in Greenville, graduating from high school there. She then continued her education by enrolling in cosmetology school. Nettie was preceded in death by her brother Hudson Augustus and Houston Augustus; her sisters, Fannie Bell Jones, Annie Bell Daughrity, Jewel Lee Williams, Nancy Lee Moore and Carolyn Augustus.

In 1975, Nettie moved to the East St. Louis area. She joined New Bethel Missionary Baptist Church soon after arriving. On September 7, 2020, Nettie departed this life.

She leaves to cherish her memory and legacy, her children, Pamela Augustus, Raymond Dunnigan, Shawn Bell, Marvella Walker and bonus daughter, Sandra White; grandchildren, Tamila Shelby, Everett Shelby, Jimmiecia Weathers, Ghane Wright, Terrance Walker, Teji Walker, Duane Augustus and bonus grandson, Paul Lunsford; great-grandchildren, Elijah Shelby, Justin Williams II, and Jhane' Williams, Amir Shelby and a few others; brothers, Robert, Samuel, Charlie, James, Isaiah and Frankie Augustus; sisters, Doris Damper, Bertha Augustus and Alice Augustus; a host of nieces, nephews and other family members and friends.