Dr. Frank Matt Houston passed away peacefully on December 13, 2025. He was born on December 15, 1939, in New Orleans, Louisiana, the only child of Amanda Vallie Welch and Dr. Matt Francis Houston, and was raised in Houma, Louisiana.
Dr. Houston was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Helen Butler Houston. He is survived by their three children: Frank Matt Murphey Houston (Tammi) of Hickory, North Carolina; Catherine Elizabeth Cleere Houston Snarr (Stephen) of Newport Beach, California; and Amanda Johanna Butler Houston Goodwin (Robert) of Wilmington, North Carolina. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren, Murphey Houston (Kristin), Zachary Houston (Taylor), Courtney Houston Taylor (Eddie), and Josie Elizabeth Snarr, as well as his great-grandchildren, Walker and Emery Houston.
Frank married his true love, Helen Butler, in April 1965, beginning a devoted partnership that spanned 56 years. Family was the center of his life, and he took great joy in spending time with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He delighted in the traditions and pageantry of Mardi Gras, the rhythms of jazz, and the beauty of opera. An avid traveler, Frank cherished exploring new places, especially when shared with Helen and their family. These wonderful memories will be carried forward for generations.
A lifelong scholar and leader, Dr. Houston graduated valedictorian of Terrebonne High School in Houma, Louisiana, in 1957. He attended Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in zoology in 1960, and continued his education at LSU Medical School in New Orleans. During his undergraduate years, he was elected to Omicron Delta Kappa and Phi Kappa Phi, served as president of his fraternity, Pi Kappa Alpha, and was selected for Who’s Who. At LSU Medical School, he served as president of the senior class and graduated in 1964. Dr. Houston was a fifth-generation physician in the Houston–Murphey family.
Following medical school, Dr. Houston completed his internship at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He then served two years as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps at Redstone Arsenal in Alabama, where he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal upon discharge. In 1967, he returned to Johns Hopkins Hospital to complete his residency in dermatology.
In 1970, Dr. Houston and his young family moved to Greensboro, North Carolina, where he entered private practice in dermatology with Dr. Sherwood Barefoot and Dr. Hugh Fraser, now known as Greensboro Dermatology. He practiced there for 44 years, retiring in 2014.
After settling in Greensboro, Dr. Houston became deeply involved in the civic and cultural life of the community. He served on numerous boards, including the American Red Cross, GreenHill Center for NC Art, Greensboro Opera Company, Greensboro Symphony Society,Greensboro History Museum, Greensboro Preservation Society, Friends Home Board of Visitors, Pennybyrn at Maryfield Ambassador’s Board, the Greensboro Branch of the English-Speaking Union, and the Headmaster’s Council at Greensboro Day School. Dr. Houston was a Paul Harris Fellow and longtime member of the Summit Rotary Club. He was an active member of Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, where he served twice as SeniorWarden, completed three terms as a Vestry member, and was a delegate to multiple Diocesan Conventions.
Professionally, Dr. Houston was a member of the American Academy of Dermatology, the North Carolina Dermatology Society, the Dermatology Foundation, and the Scientific Advisory Committee of the American Skin Association. He was also a member of several social organizations, including the Greensboro City Club, Greensboro Country Club, and the Surf Club of Wrightsville Beach, as well as multiple Carnival organizations in New Orleans.
Dr. Houston had a lifelong interest in genealogy and historical scholarship. He was a member of the Sons of the American Revolution, the Society of the War of 1812 in North Carolina, and the Huguenot Society of South Carolina. He was the sixth great-grandson of John Knox of Scotland and a collateral descendant of General Sam Houston of Tennessee and Texas.
The family expresses its heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Well-Spring Retirement Community for the kindness and care shown to Dr. Houston and his family. They also extend sincere thanks to AuthoraCare for their compassionate support.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Holy Trinity Episcopal Church, 607 North Greene Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27401; St. Pius X Catholic Church,2210 North Elm Street, Greensboro, North Carolina 27408; or to the charity of one’s choice.
A celebration of life will be at 2 PM, Saturday, January 17, 2025 at Well~Spring Retirement Community, 4100 Well Spring Drive, Greensboro, NC 27410. Online condolences may be offered at www.haneslineberryfhnorthelm.com.
