Herbert Gene Houston was born to the late David Houston and Mattie Clemons Houston on May 10, 1935 in Blountstown, Florida. He was the youngest of three sons. Both George and David, Jr preceded him in death. Herbert received his early education at Mayhaw High School in Blountstown, Florida, where he was noted for his outstanding leadership and entrepreneurial skills and was the class salutatorian. After graduating from Mayhaw, Herbert attended, and graduated from, Bethune Cookman University, where he majored in mathematics and science. Herbert was a great athlete and a very sociable person. At Bethune, he was active in extra-curricular activities by following his passion for sports and was initiated into Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. After graduating from college, he was inducted into the US Army, where he was recognized as a sharpshooter and was awarded the Good Conduct Medal. Herbert proudly served his country in active duty until his honorable discharge on February 3, 1961, after which we remained an active member of the U.S. Army Reserve until 1965. After returning home from active duty, Herbert began his teaching career in Nassau County at Peck High School, located in Fernandina Beach, Florida, teaching mathematics and science. He later moved to Jacksonville, Florida where he taught mathematics at Raines High School. Herbert decided to further his studies at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, Central Connecticut State College, and went on to earn a M.S. degree from the University of Hartford. On June 22, 1963, he married the love of his life, Eileen Donaldson. This union flourished in love and happiness for over 50 years. They were blessed with two beautiful children, LaShawne and Donald. In 1968, they moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where Herbert continued to teach mathematics for over thirty years. He earned many awards for outstanding service in the Public School System, Community and Church. He mentored many young men and worked diligently in the communities in which he lived. He earned the prestigious Crispus Attucks Teacher of the Year Award in 1990 and served as Neighborhood President in both Hartford, Connecticut and Longwood, Florida. Herbert was reared in a Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age, where he became a member of St. Mary’s Baptist Church in Blountstown, Florida. Wherever he moved, he was quick to join a church and continue his walk for the Lord. He was an active member of Union Baptist Church, Macedonia Missionary Baptist Church and St. Johns Missionary Baptist Church. He was a man of great conviction and was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in need. He was a stranger to no one and encouraged others, daily, through his words and actions. Herbert’s most recent church home was Northland Church, in Longwood, Florida. There he served as an active Usher who loved to transport senior members in wheelchairs to the worship service. He was the communion pita bread cutter and he and Eileen both participated in House Church on Tuesday for Bible Study. Most recently, he and Eileen were preparing to be Stephens Ministers. On March 6, 2015, Herbert suddenly passed from this life to his eternal home. He leaves to mourn his passing: Wife- Eileen; Children - LaShawne and Donald (Aubrecia); Grandchildren - Lakeisha, Frederick, Stephen, Marcus, Alexis; Godchildren - Janelle Jelks, Lakeisha Fulton, Mallori Thompson Sisters-in-law - Rosa Houston, Agnes Houston, Sarah Donaldson, Susie Anderson; Nieces - Cherie Janine (Jan), Annie Joyce, Michelle, Marcia, Monica; Nephews – Leroy, Marvin, Mitch, Maurice, Myles, Michael; Aunt – Maggie and a host of grand nieces and nephews, cousins, children and godchildren of choice and friends.
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