John William Houston

Obituary For John William Houston

John William Houston was called home from labor to reward to be with the Lord and received his crown on August 13, 2021, around 7:00 am. He was born in Cleveland, NC as the 10th of 12 children of the late Eugene Nathaniel and Ella Chambers Houston. As a child, his parents brought the family in a mule-drawn, flatbed wagon to worship at Third Creek AME Zion Church, Cleveland, NC. His parents instilled a faith-based foundation that became the bedrock of family life. After marrying Charlotte Elizabeth Fisher on January 14, 1951, and moving to Greensboro, NC, he and his young family became faithful members of Trinity AME Zion Church, Greensboro, NC for over 65 years. He served as a faithful member in many capacities, Steward/Steward Emeritus, active Sunday School Member, and sang tenor in several choirs over the years. He loved the Lord and raised his children in the church, leading them in the love of the Lord and in family prayer. His children fondly remember being required to quote a scripture before every meal. John and Charlotte were faithful in encouraging their children to love and take care of one another and family and to cherish the Word of God. In February 2017, the couple moved to Salem, VA where they worshiped at the former First Baptist Church of Cloverdale (now the Spirit of Unity Baptist Church), under the leadership of his son-in-law, Rev. Dr. Tommy London, and joined on June 24, 2018. They greatly enjoyed the fellowship with loving members, and attending Sunday Services, church picnics, and Celebrations of Marriage. John, affectionately known as Johnny, was raised on a 95-acre farm. On this farm, he and the family planted and harvested wheat, corn, and barley; tended to apple and peach orchards, and grape vineyards, and cared for the cows, chickens, and hogs, all of which were used to feed their large family and for income. His family also had land to grow cotton, which they picked and processed with their own machine before taking it to market. Johnny followed in the footsteps of his brother, Theodore and served in the U.S. Navy during World War II until April 6, 1946. He was fond of reminding his family that he served in the Navy for twenty-two months, eight days and twenty minutes. After his military service, he returned to work on the farm with his father and youngest brother, Hilyoud, and received, along with his parents, G.I. agricultural benefits as a result of his service. He later met the love of his life at her high school Halloween party – he would say he saw a beautiful lady across the room. In the months that followed he visited her by walking part of the way and then riding the bus to bridge the miles between them. He often waited for the bus in a nearby cemetery to return home. After marriage, Johnny and Charlotte moved their family to Morning Side Homes in Greensboro, NC. He graduated from the former A&T College of NC with a certificate in Auto Mechanics. Though his initial dream of investing in and owning his own auto mechanic shop met many obstacles, his story of perseverance continued. After working at a dye company and other occupations to support his family, the Lord led Johnny to Eastern Airlines. He also worked part-time as a cab driver and later had an opportunity to purchase the owner’s medallion and become owner of United Taxi #29. He and Charlotte purchased a home in 1960 on Florida Street in Greensboro to raise their family. His hard work and long hours allowed Charlotte to remain home to raise their 5 children during their early years. He had a vision of having a basement, and that he did. Starting with a small shovel and bucket outside of the small crawl space opening under the family home, he completed the basement - one shovel at a time - with the help of his sons. His entrepreneurial spirit, learned from his father’s example, eventually led to an ownership interest in The Chicken Shack (near NC A&T State University), ownership of Wishy-Washy Laundromat and rental property. Despite his busy work schedule, he enjoyed visits with the families of his brothers and sisters and in-laws, bi-annual family reunions, playing cards, and playing family games including badminton, horseshoes, ping-pong, and shooting pool. He remained very proficient in the game of checkers until his transition. His Skycap position with Eastern Airlines opened the door to extensive air travel and other personal development and exposure opportunities for the family during Jim Crow and the height of the Civil Rights Movement. During the difficulties and challenges presented by Jim Cow, he and Charlotte never taught their children to hate but rather emphasized that faith and education were the keys to being successful and moving beyond the hatred existing at the time. Johnny and Charlotte’s dedication to raising their children with this focus on faith, family, education, entrepreneurial spirit, ownership, travel, and service to others is a legacy that has impacted his children, grandchildren, and will impact the family’s future generations. After 26 years with Eastern Airlines, Johnny accepted an early retirement from Eastern Airlines. With a desire to be close to family, he sold his interest in United/Yellow Cab Company and Charlotte retired from The Belk Stores and moved to Salem, VA in February 2017.

Johnny was preceded in death by his parents; 10 of his brothers and sisters: Alexander, Harold, Theodore, Lethia, Joseph, Helen, Cleona, Faye, Alice, and Hilyoud; aunts and uncles, and many other family members.

Survivors include his loving and devoted wife of 70 years, Charlotte Elizabeth Fisher Houston; children, Gregory Scott Houston of Atlanta, GA, John Allen Houston (Charlotte) of San Diego, CA, Sharon Elizabeth Houston London (Tommy) of Salem, VA, Rita Doreen Houston of Atlanta GA, and Vera Laverne Houston Glover, of Raleigh, NC; his grandchildren, Michelle Dawnielle London of Denver, CO, John Allen Clark Houston (Mignon) of Oceanside, CA, Justin Scott London of Wilmington, NC, Folana Loren Houston of Atlanta, GA, Alexandria Courtney Houston of Atlanta, GA, Olivia Elizabeth Glover, and Lauren Jouise Glover of Raleigh, NC; two great-grandchildren, Nora Lee Anderson of Wilmington, NC and Atlas John Oliver Houston of Oceanside, CA; his 101 year-old sister, Dorothy Houston Torrence of Newport News, VA and a host of wonderful and loving cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends. He was blessed with and grateful for his loving and faithful caregivers: Alhajie Turay, Michelle Gilliam, Ashley Cunningham, Angel VanDyke, and Shenika Cunningham who became an integral part of the family.

Homegoing services, Saturday, August 21, 2021, 12 p.m., at Trinity AME Zion Church, Greensboro, NC, Reverend Dr. Daran Mitchell, officiating clergy, with visitation beginning one hour prior.

The interment will follow the service at Guilford Memorial Park, 6000 W. Gate City Blvd., Greensboro, NC 27407.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Spirit of Unity Baptist Church, 193 Updike Lane, Roanoke, VA 24019 or Trinity A.M.E. Church at 631 East Florida Street, Greensboro, NC 27406.

Due to the rise in COVID cases, in love, the family requests all attendees be vaccinated for the safety of everyone, especially our dear mother. There will be limited seating in the church, so please RSVP via text or phone call (404) 790-8179, or email rhouston330@hotmail.com by 12 p.m. Thursday with name and number in your vaccinated family group.

On Saturday, live streaming on Trinity AME Zion Facebook or YouTube will be available for unvaccinated friends and family and those who are not able to attend. Face masks are also required for your safety.

Services Entrusted to Perry J. Brown Funeral Home (336)-272-6109