Gradie M. Houston

February 20, 1924 - January 30, 2022

Gradie Mae Houston was born February 20, 1924 to Grady and Pearl Barnett in New Edinburg, Arkansas. She was the second oldest of 8 children, 5 preceded her in death. During her teenage years she, along with her older sister, moved to St. Louis, Missouri to live with an aunt. It was here that she was educated in the St. Louis Public School system and decided this would be where she should settle and make home. At an early age she confessed her love, faith and hope in The Father and continued to hold steadfast to her faith throughout her life’s journey. In St. Louis she met and married Paul Houston. This union was blessed with two children, a daughter, Sandra Paula and son Vernon Eugene. Her Husband and son preceded her in death. After the birth of her children, she thought it would be nice to work but due to one being a cry baby (who we won’t name) it was decided she should stay home. So, she became a homemaker. This was absolutely the best and most fulfilling profession she could have ever chosen. She was extremely passionate about raising her children, even though they quite often worked her nerves. She loved it so much she also assisted in raising her grandchildren. She was totally dedicated to her family. She loved being with her husband and going to Fairmount Race Track, in Illinois, where on occasion she would pick a winning horse. She also loved to spend time with her sister’s even if they did nothing but have, as they would say, a glass of Riunite wine. She loved her nieces and nephews and was known to them as Auntie. A very loving, caring and compassionate woman, she truly saw the best in everyone. She departed this worldly life at 97 years of age on Sunday, January 30, 2022 at 3:45 p.m. at Mark Twain Nursing Home. Surrounded by her loved ones she departed for glory only after she knew her family was finally okay with letting her go. Gradie leaves a legacy of love to her daughter, Sandra Paula Houston, 9 grandsons - Jamail (Kesha) Houston; Adrian Houston; Vernon, Jr. (Danielle) Houston; Ciaphia Wiles; Tyrome T-Top (Crystal) Henderson, of Atlanta, GA.; and Derrand (Mya) Garrett, also of Atlanta, GA.; Demetrius Robinson; Anthony and Alexander Harris; one granddaughter, Alicia Danielle Houston, of Fort Lauderdale, FL.; granddaughter Ashley Chante Houston, also preceded her in death. Five great-granddaughters Kayla, Keyara, Courtney, Kimori and Tasherra; five great-grandsons - Christian, Jamail, Jr., Deron, Josiah and Michael (Davianna); two great-great grandsons - Mason and Eli and one great-great granddaughter Charlie; two sisters Edna Barnett, Tulsa, OK.; Sadie Mitchell, St. Louis, MO.; two sister-in-law’s Florence Barnett, Noxapater, MS.; and Edna Barnett, Milwaukee, WI. As well a host of very special nieces, nephews and close family friends whom she all loved dearly.