Beatrice Ernestine McGraw was born November 27, 1923, in Clanton Arkansas, to the late Sam and Hannah McGraw. The family moved from Clanton, Arkansas to Armorel, Arkansas where at the age of 13, Beatrice professed her hope in Christ and joined the Mount Nebo M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Andrew Mitchell. While living in Armorel, Beatrice attended and graduated from Richard B. Harrison High School in Blytheville, Arkansas where she was valedictorian of her class.
Beatrice married Richard Houston on July 29, 1944 and they moved to Blytheville, Arkansas in 1949. Beatrice joined the New Bethel M.B. Church under the leadership of the late Reverend W.M. Mitchell. Beatrice was a devoted church member.
Her greatest passions were attending and serving in the church. She sang in the church choir and served as a member on the Mother’s and Trustee Boards. Beatrice also served as a Sunday school teacher, Vice President and President of the Missionary Society and Secretary Treasurer.
In addition to her church activities, Beatrice was a professional seamstress. She enjoyed spending time with her children, caring for others, reading her bible and watching sports. In August 1997, Beatrice moved to Grandview, Missouri.
She became a diligent and faithful member of the Calvary Chapel Church COGI under the leadership of Pastor Harold Molden and continued her passions for the church. Beatrice was the mother of nine children, four sons and five daughters. She was loved and cherished by all whose lives she touched.
She was affectionately referred to by family and friends as “Mother Houston”, “Mom”, “Granny”, “Ms. Bea”, “Grand Ma”, “Queen Bea”, “Granny Grand” and “B. B King”. Beatrice was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Houston; a daughter, Yvonne Houston and a son, John Ervin.
She leaves to cherish her home going three sons; Edward Houston (Sheila) of Kansas City, Missouri; Richard Houston (Edna) of Blytheville, Arkansas and Robert Houston of Jefferson City, Missouri. Her four daughters are; Freddie Fisher of Chicago Illinois; Shirley Clark (Robert) of Grandview, Missouri; Louise Hune (Raymond) of Jefferson City, Missouri and Barbara Williams (Curtis) of Norfolk, Virginia. She leaves 31 grandchildren, 63 great grandchildren, 10 great, great grandchildren, 1 great, great, great grandchild, 1 niece Virginia McKinley of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 2 nephews Mack Daniels of Southfield, Michigan and Walter Sanders (Gloria) of Indianapolis, Indiana and a host of other relatives along with many friends.
Memorial contributions can be made to Calvary Chapel Church COGIC, 5101 Bristol Avenue Kansas City, MO 64157.
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