Mercedes Y. Tapia

world. She was the daughter of the Late Myna Joyce Houston and the Late Rev. Otto H.

Houston. She came into this world on July 23, 1932 in Plant City, Florida. She went on to rest

with her Lord and Savior on August 6, 2021 in Tampa, FL.

Her spirit of giving began with her service in the church at an early age, particularly in her

father’s congregation. God gifted her with a beautiful singing voice and the desire and ability to

play the piano extremely well.

Her spirit of service was also evident in her work as a licensed cosmetologist. Her generosity

would often go unnoticed, but she was undeterred.

She loved her family deeply and unconditionally. Our mother set an example of living life and

facing the difficulties that come with it with grace and dignity. She loved to travel, and

combined those two loves whenever possible.

She has been a member and worshipper at Temple Terrace Church of Christ for many years.

The fellowship that she has enjoyed there held a very special place in her heart and life.

She was preceded in death by her husbands-Thomas F. Burnett; Fred R. Waricks; Mario Tapia;

Brothers-Otto H. Houston, Jr.; and Donald Houston.

Her memories will live on in her Family:

Fredia R. Waricks & Mark A. Stubbs-Daughter & Son-in-Law; Kelly Banks, Jr.-Grandson; Kameron Hayes-Grandson.

Tyrome Croft-Son

Myna M. Burnett & Daniel J. Davis, Sr.-Daughter & Son-in-Law; Rashonda Milton-Granddaughter; Carter Fults-Great Grandson; Dominique Mitchell-Granddaughter; Darielle Padmore-Granddaughter; Daniele & Leon Wilson-Granddaughter & Grandson-in-Law; Dream Jones-Great-Granddaughter; Destin Wilson-Great Grandson; Raynard L. & Mianna Burnett-Grandson & Granddaughter-in-Law; Leonna Burnett-Great Granddaughter; Marisa N. L. Lewis-Granddaughter; DezLeon R. Burnett-Great Grandson; Marketa Burnett-Granddaughter; Raynard L. Burnett, Jr.-Great Grandson.

Thomas F. Burnett, III & Nera Burnett-Son & Daughter-in-Law; Elijah Colvin-Great Grandson; Eamonte’ Wynn-Great Grandson; Elxzandria “Lexi” Wynn-Great Granddaughter.

Marion & Al Gainer-Daughter & Son-in-Law; Alfred Gainer, III-Grandson; Gwenna G. Lucas-Granddaughter.

Her Beloved Sisters: Dr. Barbara Houston Wilson, Mrs. Glorious Houston Kirnes, Mrs. Linda Houston Jones and Rev. Edrena Houston Brown.

Her Special Nieces, Nephews, Cousins, those that referred to her as Momma Mercedes, any and all that genuinely recognized her for the beautiful person that she embodied; her memory will live on.

A graveside service for Mercedes will be held Thursday, August 12, 2021 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Sunset Memory Gardens, 11005 N US 301, Thonotosassa, FL 33592.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.gonzalezfuneral.com for the Tapia family.