Mr. Fred Killings Sr.

On August 9, 1923, in Fort Worth, Texas a baby boy named Fred was born to Dennis and Mamie Killings. His family consisted of eleven children, five boys and six girls.

He came to Houston in the early 1940’s. On June 12, 1948, he married Mary Ella Crawford. During this union six children were born: Two boys and four girls—Artery, Barbara, Evelyn, Fred, Jr., Kenneth, and Claudia. In 1953, the couple bought a home in the Pleasantville community of Houston, Texas where they were among the first couples to move in and became elated that their children could attend neighborhood schools. He was very active in the neighborhood. He coached Little League, was a part of the Civic League, worked with school activities and made sure his children stayed involved in activities. He not only stayed active in the neighborhood, but he loved his wife and children and worked several jobs, to meet every need. His family was his life, and he lived it to the fullest.

When he first moved to Houston, he united with New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. He was a devoted Usher for over 60 years and served diligently as a Deacon for over 50 years. He served faithfully under several pastors. He loved his church and always prayed fervently for his Pastor and family. His strong faith in God allowed him to be a generous, praying husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, and great-great grandfather.

He was preceded in death by his parents, three brothers-L.C., Cleveland, and Dennis, four sisters-Roxanna, Marie, Era, and Dorothy, his wife of 69 years-Mary, daughter-Barbara and five grandchildren-Beverly, Arthur Jr., Sandra, Alfred, and LaTonya.

He is survived by five children-Artrey, Evelyn, Fred Jr., Kenneth, and Claudia; one brother-Bennie (Mertis), two sisters-Peggy and Bessie (Jimmie); six grandchildren-John, Tiffany, Marcus Justin, Wesley and Katelyn; seven great grandchildren-LaTisha, Jaelinn, Jakaelin, SaNya, Dion, Stacy and Destiny; two great-great grandchildren, Caregiver and God-granddaughter-Sherri and a host of family and friends.