Haley O. Houston

With the love of Jesus Christ, Haley O. Houston made her peaceful transition on February 9, 2010. Haley was born June 24, 1920 in Des Moines, IA, the daughter of Charles C. Johnson and Haley D. Evans-Johnson, who preceded her in death. Haley was the eldest of four siblings, Charles C. Johnson Jr., Washington, D.C., Vega S. Davis, Bay Point, CA, and Thyra V. Bonds, Webster Groves, MO, all preceded her in death. She graduated from North High School, and continued higher studies at Tennessee State University, Nashville, TN.

During her college years she met, fell in love with, and married the late Marsh S. Houston (Fuzzy). They were married until his transition, for 53 years. From that union was born two daughters, the late Ramona D. Houston, Las Vegas, NV, and Marsha D. Collier, Bay Point, CA.

Haley was christened in St. Paul AME Church and became a faithful member involving herself in the auxiliary ministries such as the Ladies Usher Board, Richard Allen Choir, church Secretary, and other callings of the church. She served until she relocated to Las Vegas, NV to help care for her ailing daughter. Following the steps of her mother, she served in many key positions in the order of Eastern Star, which included: Start Point Secretary; Worthy Matron of Princess Oziel Chapter #9 O.E.S.; Grand Register, Electa Grand Chapter OES Prince Hall Affiliation, Inc., State of Iowa and Jurisdiction; and Grand Worthy Matron of the Eastern Grand Chapter O.E.S., State of Iowa and Jurisdiction Prince Hall Affiliation, Inc. During her years of community service and social affiliation she belonged to the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Bow Knots Social Club, and NAACP, Des Moines Chapter. Haley worked for Methodist Hospital, the late Dr. Estes Ware, and the Des Moines Independent School District.

Commonly referred to by many endearing names mostly “Mamma”, “Haley Mom” “Mamma Haley” and “Aunt Haley”, she was devoted to her husband, children, family, and friends. She loved cooking, entertaining, and helping her husband with odd jobs around the house. Haley was also a champion about visiting and caring for the sick, and shut in, but when her turn came she endured the pain and suffering without complaint. Her motto was “don’t worry about anything until it happens” and “don’t dwell on anything”. Her life reflected youthfulness, and joy to many because of her positive outlook, and wonderful sense of humor. Even in her illness, all of her care-providers were amazed how she always managed to make clever remarks and how “young” she looked. Her family especially loved her for her down to earth personality, and honesty in her communication, even if they didn’t always particularly like what they heard. Haley lived her life as an example to her family. She believed that part of living was to be without unnecessary worry, “save the wrinkles”; giving selflessly all that you can; being helpful in ways that you can; doing the best that you can; and be thankful for what you have.

In addition to her siblings, Haley is preceded in death by her eldest daughter Ramona D. Houston, and grandson Doyle E. Collier.

Haley is survived by her youngest daughter, Marsha D. Collier, Bay Point, CA, sister-in-law Betty J. Johnson, Washington, D.C.; grandsons, Garner M. Houston and wife Deidra (Dee), Las Vegas, NV; Gaylord M. Houston, Des Moines, IA; granddaughter, Andra D. Collier, Antioch, CA, granddaughter-in-law, Lisa Behr-Collier, Bay Point, CA; great-grandchildren, Michael Houston, Brittany Collier, Shaylene Houston, Dorrian Collier, Doyle Collier, Breyer Houston, Alexandra Collier, Myles Jones; step-great-grandchildren, Terry Covington, William Covington, Marcus Covington, Eric Covington and Derek Jones; her dear great-great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends from various geographic areas.

Condolences may be made at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com

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