A.M. "Jack" Houston

A.M. “Jack” Houston Jr., 81, of Memphis passed from this life on Wednesday, September 4, 2019. He was born in Blytheville to the late Reverend A.M. Houston Sr. and Hazel Houston on July 26, 1938. Jack went to college at Arkansas State University and Memphis Southwestern College where he studied psychology . In his younger days, Jack was known for his athletic ability as a Golden Glove boxer. Pappa Jack as he was known by his grandchildren was a private and hardworking man who knew how to get the job done. He was extremely well read and a great storyteller who wore many hats in his long and interesting life. He loved the outdoors, writing, painting and his homestead in Mississippi where he spent the last 37 years of his life. His relationship with the Lord was very important to him and he founded the Enid Lake Baptist Church in Enid, Mississippi. In addition to his parents, Jack is preceded in death by his wife and love of his life, Cerelda Houston; sisters, Mona Gail Houston and Cleo Lewis; niece, Stevie Henry; and great nephew, Rice Lee Van Ausdall III.

Jack is survived in death by his children, Victor Houston (Donna) of Memphis and Art Houston of Memphis; daughter, Marla Barnett of Enid, Mississippi; grandchildren, Victoria Houston, Marlee Barnett, and Seth Barnett; nephew, Jack Lewis, nieces, Kim Mauney (Morris) and Jill Van Ausdall. Jack also leaves behind many friends, nieces, nephews, and family who will miss him dearly.

The visitation will be held prior to the service starting at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Emerson Funeral Home.

The funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, September 7, 2019 at Emerson Funeral Home. The burial will be private. In lieu of flowers the family requests that donations be made to the American Cancer Society.