Zephyr Mary Horton

Zephyr Mary Livingston Horton, 83, of Little Rock, Arkansas, passed away peacefully on June 8, 2026. Born on April 23, 1943, in Kansas City, Missouri, she was the beloved daughter of Warner and Laverne Livingston.

Zephyr was a proud graduate of Philander Smith College and began her career as a dedicated librarian with the North Little Rock School District. Her love of learning, service, and community shaped every chapter of her life. In time, she chose to devote herself fully to her greatest calling — being a mother. She poured her heart into raising her three children, who adored her and continue to carry her strength, grace, and wisdom forward.

A woman of deep faith and unwavering compassion, Zephyr was a longtime member of Wesley Chapel United Methodist Church. She also cherished her sisterhood in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, where she built lifelong bonds and lived out the values of scholarship, service, and sisterhood.

Zephyr was married to the love of her life, Richard Horton Sr., for 55 years until his passing in 2021. Their partnership was a testament to devotion, resilience, and joy.

She leaves to cherish her memory her children: Richard Horton Jr. of Little Rock; Sherita Horton Smith of Dallas, Texas; and Charles Horton of Little Rock. She is also survived by her grandson, Tre Smith of Dallas, Texas; her sister, Sherita Bates of Kansas City, Missouri; her sisters- and brothers in law: Paul Springer Sr. (late Mercille Springer), Cynthia Horton (late Russell Horton), and Oscar Horton (Miriam) of Tampa, Florida; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and extended family who loved her dearly.

Zephyr’s life was defined by quiet strength, boundless generosity, and a gentle spirit that touched everyone she met. Her legacy lives on in the family she nurtured, the students she inspired, and the countless lives she brightened along the way.

Services will be held a Griffin Leggett Healey and Roth Funeral Home, 5800 W 12th Street, Little Rock, AR, 72204.Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM followed by the Funeral Service at 10:00 AM officiated by Rev.Ronnie Miller Yow. Mrs. Horton will be laid to rest at Roselawn Memorial Park , 2801 Asher Ave, Little Rock, AR 72204 at 12:00 PM.