Centenarian, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, great-great grandmother, aunt, cousin, and friend.
In the stillness of the morn, a gentle voice whispered to our beloved; she stirred, then peacefully slept.
Ira Blanche Hobbs Houston, age 102, with her son and daughter by her side, was peacefully called to her heavenly home January 22, 2025. She was an admirable mother figure who embodied the qualities of unconditional love, loyalty, commitment, and strength of mind and spirit that was seen and known by all her family and friends.
Mrs. Houston was born March 1, 1922 in Plum Branch, S.C. to Augustus and Maude D. Bugg Hobbs. The family relocated to Masury, Ohio in 1923. She attended Brookfield city schools and was a graduate of Brookfield high school class of 1940. As a young woman she lived in New York City, NY and Baltimore, MD. She married her high school sweetheart, Robert H. Houston on March 8, 1942, who preceded her in death. To this union, three children were born.
A woman of faith, Mrs. Houston accepted Christ at an early age and received her tutelage at Ruth A.M.E. Zion church, Sharon, PA. Subsequently, Mrs. Houston joined Beth-el A.M.E. Zion church, Cleveland, OH in 1985 and later submitted a transfer of membership by certificate April 3, 1986 to St. Peter’s A.M.E. Zion church under the leadership of Rev. Dr. Samuel Perry, pastor. She was a faithful member though limited by health, still attending service virtually every Sunday. Mrs. Houston was a St. Peter’s A.M.E. Zion overseas missionary society life member and a member of the Zion pacesetters.
Mrs. Houston retired from the Cleveland clinic health system in 1985 where she served in capacities of unit/medical secretary and environmental specialist. After retirement she worked at leisure caring for others. She also volunteered her services as an adult literacy tutor and additionally as an election poll worker until the age of 88.
Mrs. Houston loved traveling to visit family across the U.S. in addition to shopping, gardening and crocheting, she was an excellent cook who made the best macaroni and cheese and sweet potato pie.
She was a member of I.B.P.O.E.W, Mary B. Talbert/Peerless Temple #236 life member where she received her past granddaughter ruler Honors in 1994 under the shrine department at the Chicago convention and a member of Mary’s Grand Chapter/Guiding Star Chapter #10.
Although opinionated, Mrs. Houston was a very good listener. If you want the “truth”, ask Ms. Ira. She was a mother not just to her own children, but to all. A person of detail, she remembered birthdays and special occasions when you least expected it. She kept up with the latest fashion trends and was a real stickler for moral and social etiquette.
She leaves to cherish her memory her son, William G., daughter, Marilyn B., daughter-in-law, Corrine L.; grandchildren, Yvonne M., Nathaniel R. (Holly), Adam T., Whitney K., Brian Z., Taylor C. (Tiffany); great-grandchildren, Camerynn O., Jayden A., Sabien J., Ione R., Zia S., Ryleigh M., Khloe P., Gianna Z.; great-great grandchildren Stevie M. And Jeremias A.; neices, Cheryl L. (William), Judith L., and a host of relatives and friends.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Camille E. Houston; brother, William L. Hobbs; son, Robert H. Houston Jr., daughter-in-law, Carole S. Houston and nephew Wanza T. McCaskill.