James Edward Houston, Sr.

James Edward Houston Sr. was born to Priscilla Houston and John Mitchell Joiner on July 20, 1936, in Lafayette County, Mississippi. He accepted Christ at an early age and joined East Providence M.B. Church under the leadership of Pastor Cassie Bonner Sr. James was an active member of East Providence and served as a deacon for twenty-seven years, janitor, choir member, trustee, chairman of the benevolent committee, Project Coordinator over church renovations, and the assistant chairman of the Laymen’s Ministry, and he also attended BTU School.

James enjoyed fishing, taking morning walks, recycling cans, watching television, and listening to gospel music on Sunday morning.

On December 16, 2025, at 7:25 am, the Lord saw fit to bring his child home to be with Him. He leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters: Alice Houston, Tabitha Houston, and Rachel Houston, all of Oxford MS; Four sons: Kenneth (Vernita) Houston of Bartlett TN, Richard Houston of Riverdale, GA., Chester (Yolanda) Houston of Byram, MS and James Houston, Jr., of Fort Walton Beach, FL; one brother: David Joiner, Oxford, MS; thirteen grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

James Edward Houston Sr. was preceded in death by his parents: Priscilla Houston and John Mitchell Joiner; his loving wife: Hattie Mae Houston; one son: Earl Williams; two-step children: Arthur Lee Woods and Patricia Ann Brown; two sisters: Roberta Joiner Ivy and Liggins Joiner; and three brothers: Clarence Joiner, John Henry Joiner and James Earl Joiner.