Biography:
Betty Jean Houston was born on September 17, 1943 in Rowesville, South Carolina. Her mother was the late Mildred Mims who moved her family (Jeanette, Leroy, Paul, Patricia aka Patsy and Jimmy) to the Bronx, New York in the late 1950’s. She was a graduate of Theodore Roosevelt High School in the Bronx. She married Nathan Houston in 1965 and their union was blessed with their only child, Rodney Houston.
Betty was a nurse administrator for Manhattan Psychiatric Center on Wards Island for over 30 years and retired in 2010. Betty had the greatest sense of humor and was always smiling. Everyone who knew her, knew that she loved to cook. Those crowd pleasing meals were a treat for us all. She also loved gardening and music, but most of all she loved serving our Lord in any way she could.
Sister Betty’s Christian life was beautiful. At an early age she professed her faith in Jesus Christ and joined the Open Door Church along with its Founder Reverend Frost. Betty has remained an active member of the Open Door Church. Over the decades, Sister Betty served faithfully as the church secretary, Sunday school teacher, she served on the usher board and served in many leadership capacities for the church. Sister Houston became an Evangelist in 2010. She was the very definition of altruism and compassion. Simply put, serving the Lord was her passion and her influence has inspired many generations.
Betty’s beautiful life will be cherished by her son Rodney Houston, her husband Nathan Houston. Her Grandson Robert Williams, her brothers Leroy Mims, and Paul Mims. Her nephews Eric, Dwayne, Dwight, Eugene, Leroy Jr. and Nieces Crystal, Marissa (Mimi), and Iori. In addition, Reverend Padilford Lattimer and the church family as well as a host of cousins and friends. She truly left a legacy of love and devotion. Our beloved Betty went peacefully April 15, 2021.