Birdie Lee Houston

Birdie was born to Albert Austin and Qunitella Mary Anderson on August 1, 1932 in the small community of Wink, Texas. Birdie was very thankful to her parents and dedicated her exceptionally written autobiography, Faithful Is He to their memory. Birdie, affectionately known as “Mother Houston” was preceded in death by her parents, siblings Wardell, Marvin, Joe, Erma Jean, and Patricia Ann, and her two grandchildren Chiniqua and Karl Jr. We believe she is now reunited with The Love of Her Life and husband of 46 years… Jimmy “JJ” Houston who preceded her to glory in 2001.

Birdie was introduced to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ as a young student at Mary Allen College in Crockett, Texas. Birdie enjoyed her academics and Bible studies at school but was often homesick. As luck would have it, she could ride the bus back home. It was on one of these long journeys that she met the love of her life Jimmie Jay Houston. After a romantic courtship, the two were married by Birdie’s mentor, Dr. Ruben S. Connor. The two were blessed with seven children during their union. Unfortunately, the couple suffered the loss of two daughters: Tonia Yvette and Regina Kim, very early on. The surviving children that continue to pass down Birdie’s legacy are Jimmy Ray Houston, Jacquelyn Jaye Lacy (Joe), Albert Jeffrey Houston, Kimberly Michelle Houston, and Tracy Lavern Wynne (Vince).

Birdie had a long career as a school secretary within Dallas Independent School District where she helped enrich the lives of those around her. Birdie was naturally gifted and developed a love for music at the age of 15 while working part time for a music teacher. She later majored in music at Mary Allen College. Her fondness of music was exuded through her singing in the church choir and playing the piano. This adoration and talent passed down to her children, which created a perfect family harmony.

Her most notable accomplishment was being a true believer and ensuring that her children and descendants knew Jesus. As she stated in her book “Loving God and serving him are the two most important things in our lives”. Mother Houston was a woman of action, and her love of God was the constant throughout her life. She was a dedicated member of Community Bible Church where she served as Music Minister under Dr. Reuben S. Connor, Sr. She was a founding member of These Are They Community Church along with Dr. Willie J. Bolden. At the time of her death Birdie was a faithful member of First Thompson MBC under Pastor Arley Thomas. Mother Houston’s service to Jesus was not limited to music. She used her talents to serve as Deaconess, Sunday School teacher, and worked with the Childrens Ministry. Outside of church she also ministered in her community as a leader in the Good News Club through Urban Action.

Birdie was known to be a doting grandmother and leaves behind several grandchildren to cherish her memory, they are Steven, Shay, Rick, Carla, Jorell, Shanttel, Shayla, Tremel, Brittany, Nick, Dominque, Alex, Jay, Phillip, DeAndre, NyTosha, and De’Monte. Nanny as she was fondly called, also had a host of great grandchildren, including NyTeara with whom she held a special bond,, great-great grandchildren, nephews, and nieces. Birdie Lee Houston will be remembered as a wise, loving, and devoted wife, mother, grandmother, friend, and an unwavering Dallas Cowboys fan. Our Mother, Birdie was all these things but most importantly, she was a Woman of God. We will forever be grateful that God gave us her, and that she gave us Jesus.