Ora Houston

Ms. Ora “Mama” Houston, age 86, passed away on January 1, 2024, at home with her family by her side. A good and faithful servant, she is now taking her rest with the Lord.

Ora was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Ora was born on September 25, 1937, in Aberdeen, Mississippi, to Grenada Thomas and John Crawford.

Ora worked at Saginaw Community Hospital (Healthsource) for twenty-five years before retiring. More recently, she worked for Saginaw Preparatory Academy as a Bus Aide. On September 7, 1957, she became a founding member of World Outreach Campus (formerly Coleman Temple). Ora was a devoted member of the church and was known for dressing up in her Sunday best with a hat to match.

As a member of World Outreach Campus, Ora was a faithful Sunday school student, served on the Mother’s Board, was a member of the choir, and served on several auxiliaries.

She enjoyed spending time with her family and friends. She was married to Odie Houston and together they had six children: Alma (Rickey) Clark, Eileen (Larry) Jackson, Willie (Elaine) Houston, James Houston, Lavonne Houston, and Tanya Houston.

Ora was also a foster mother who opened her home and heart to many children over the years. She adopted four of those children into her family: Tomeisha (Drevion) Roberson, Mercedes Houston, Donte Houston, and Donovan Houston (predeceased).

She leaves to cherish her memory: Odie Houston, her children; sister, Lillian Thomas; cousins, Levater Houston, and Joshua (Josephine) Hughes; sister-in-law, Kathryn Simmons; best friend, Barbara Buford, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and friends whom she loved dearly.

She was preceded in death by her sister, Rose (Roy) Williams; two brothers, Demetrius Thomas and Jimmie Louis Woods; sisters-in-law, Callie Johnson, Jenine Jennings, Alma Hughes, and Olevia Houston, brothers-in-law, Leroy Houston, J.T. Houston, Eugene Houston, Johnny Broden, and Albert Jennings. Ora was also preceded in death by her granddaughter, Tangela Houston and great-granddaughter, Imani Houston.