Horace Augusta Strawder, Sr.

On August 23, 1923 in Huntsville, Texas, Horace Augusta Strawder, Sr. was born to his beloved parents, Byron and Rosie Strawder. He was the first child born to this union. Shortly after, the family relocated to Houston where they became active members of Greater Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late Rev G.R. Alford. At a young age, Horace confessed Christ and was baptized at Mt Zion Church, the family church in Huntsville. After moving to Houston, he grew up in the Heights where he became an active member of the church family he still called his own. Horace held membership under every pastor since Reverend Alford to include Rev E.D. Carrington, Rev C.J. Rigmaiden, Rev A.L. Cain, Rev R. West, Rev L. Spurlock, Rev C. Glass, Rev D. Joseph, and the current pastor, Rev Gaidi K. Burgess. Positions of leadership Horace held at Greater Mt Zion Missionary Baptist Church included Chairman of the Deacon Board and Finance Committee; Member of the Male Chorus, Willing Workers Rebecca Circle, Sunday School Teacher, Culinary Committee (remember the bar-b-q for the 4th of July picnics?). Horace's educational and work history was varied and unique. After successfully completing studies at the 23rd Elementary School, Harper Junior High School and graduation from Booker T. Washington High School (Class of 1941), he was employed by the Weingarten Grocery Stores and Houston Grocery Supply. He then joined the United States Marine Corps where he served with honor. Returning home after assignment at Camp LeJeune, NC, Horace married Elbert Lee Dixon. Always providing for his family, Horace was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad and the Port of Houston Authority as a longshoreman, where he spent more than thirty years until his retirement in 1985. His wife, Annette White preceded him in death. He is preceded in death by both parents, brother, Willie, and wife, Annette. He leaves to cherish his memory, four sons, Horace Jr., Kirkland, Johnny (Phyllis), and Darrell; two daughters, Sandra (Earnest) and Mary (Charlie); Elliott Stephens, who held a special place in his heart; 15 grand-children, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, former co-workers and the GMZ family.