Mary Isabella Houchins' Obituary
Maria Isabella Houchins, age 89, was called to be with the Lord peacefully on March 7, 2015 at her home in Vallejo, California. She was born on February 16, 1926, in St. James, Louisiana, the daughter of Felix Winchester and Isabella Gregoire.
At the age of 7, she thoroughly enjoyed the performing arts. She loved writing, composing music, singing and dancing, which she continued throughout her life.
In the 1950’s, she married the love of her life the late Lawrence Wilson Houchins, and they moved to Oakland, California, where they started their family. While raising 13 children, she was very creative with managing her time allowing her to write her first published book in the late 1960’s “Black Man in American, Last Minute to Produce”, composing a record “All You Ever Did Was Tear Me Down” and winning several poetry contests placing her in the Book of Poetry.
At the age of 65, she was determined to complete the course of study necessary to obtain her degree in Journalism. Not only did she obtain her degree, she was also placed on the honor role and the Dean’s list for her accomplishments.
Maria was an excellent cook. That could not be compared to anyone, nor duplicated.
Maria was a member of St. Margaret Mary’s Church and survived by her sister, Dorothy Celestine and brothers, Felix and Elmo Winchester. Her children, John, Joseph, Jerome, David, Brenda, Benjamin, Penelope, Sheila, Gregory, Velvet, Catherine and Peter. In laws, Angela, Nadya, Carolyn, Joanne, Bruce, Glenn, Sherry and Jason. Grandchildren, Leitriss, Tristina, Alexis, Lalah, Phillip, Jason, Cynthia, Jerome Jr, Kimberly, Felix, Tevia, Marche’, Tiffany, Catina, Camisha, Geno, Andre, Jason, Gregory Jr, Brian, Patrick, Dante, Paul, Kinsey, Brandon, Ivory. A number of great grandchildren, nieces, nephews and close friends. Daughter, Princess and Son-in-law Kirk Romine preceded her in death.
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