Dixie D. Houston

Dixie Dolores Houston, age 82, passed away peacefully at home with her family at her side on February 25, 2015. Dixie was born in the Nanih Waiya Community, Winston County, Mississippi, on June 11, 1932, the firstborn of four to Bert and Vera Williamson. Raised on a cotton farm after the Great Depression, Dixie left home at age 16 to attend business school in Memphis, Tennessee, where she married and later moved to Houston, and started her family. She married Bennie Houston in 1958. She began her business career as a bookkeeper but soon determined that being an entrepreneur offered more opportunities. She and Bennie started Best Way Delivery Service, a small local trucking and delivery company that operated for ten years.

Best Way was sold in the mid 70’s, affording Dixie the opportunity to earn her real estate sales license so that she could sell real estate while also managing a Greyhound Bus Station in Jacinto City, Texas. It was during this time that she was recognized as American Businesswoman of the Year, San Jacinto Chapter, as a result of her business acumen.

Bennie began driving a taxicab during this period, which led to the birth of United Cab Company. Bennie, Dixie, and sons Ellis and Ed grew the company from one taxi permit to more than 200 taxicabs at the time of Bennie’s passing in 1987, when United Cab was the 2nd largest taxicab company in the City. The cab company continued to thrive under Dixie’s leadership and commitment to their employees and drivers. She considered all of them to be a part of her extended family and maintained contact with many for years afterwards. By the time United Cab was sold in 2001, the company was transporting over one million passengers annually. Dixie relished working with her sons and was grateful to be able to see them every day for almost twenty years.

Known by her family and friends as Dixie, Dolores, Mom, Meemaw, Grandma, and Mrs. H, she retired to The Woodlands. Dixie traveled extensively and spent many enjoyable times with her children, grandchildren and, later, great grandchildren. In 2006 Dixie was diagnosed with ovarian cancer, and with a strong will to survive, spent the next 9 years battling this virulent disease through surgeries, chemotherapy, and radiation. Her remission in 2013 led to multiple blood infusions until her death. During this time she fought the cancer with the same drive, dogged determination, and fortitude that exemplified her life.

Dixie will be remembered for her steadfast role as matriarch of her family, her unconditional generosity, and compassion for others.

Bennie Houston preceded Dixie in death, as did her firstborn son Robert Eric Luten (1991) and son Elgin Luten at childbirth. She is survived by daughter Eva Gail Luten Quearry (Michael) of Houston, son Everett Luten (Debra) of Montgomery, Texas, son Ellis Houston (Evie Miles) of Nanih Waiya, Mississippi, and son Edward Houston (Simone) of The Woodlands, daughter-in-law, Linda Luten Mooneyham of Gatesville, Texas; grandchildren, Alex, Andy, and Jennifer Luten (Ted Marling), Paige Coker (Phil), Danyle Sanders (Mike), Amanda Houston Pallotta (Dominic), Haley Houston (fiancé Taylor Odlozil), Wade and Chase Houston; great grandchildren, Parker and Phoebe Coker, and Izabel and Penelope Luten; sister, Gloria Eaves Sarvis of Nanih Waiya, Mississippi; and nieces, nephews and numerous cousins.

Dixie’s family wishes to express its gratitude to her compassionate caregivers: Sharon, Jackie, Debbie, Nell and especially to Leah who tenderly cared for our mother for more than 8 months. Dixie also received excellent care from Seasons Hospice in her last days.

Visitation will be 5pm-8pm on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at Forest Park Lawndale Funeral Home.

Visitation at 1:00pm, followed by funeral Service at 2:30pm, Sunday, March 1, 2015. Burial at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery.