Major G. Houston

Major G. Houston, 90, of New Philadelphia, died Friday, Apr. 15, 2005, in Hennis
Care Centre, Dover, following a long illness.

Born Jul. 14, 1914 in Blowing Springs, Georgia, he was a son of the late Revs.
William and Lula Balou Houston. Major moved with his family at a young age to
Tuscarawas County. He attended school in Midvale and New Philadelphia, and
worked to help support his family. On Mar. 8, 1935, he married the former
Wilma Walker who survives. Major was employed by the Reeves Steel Co.,
Republic Steel, Robinson Clay and Snyder Manufacturing. He retired from Snyder
in 1976, following 26 years of service.

Major was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Dover, where he was
Deacon (being ordained in 1936), Sunday School Superintendent and served on the
church board (including time as chairman). He was a charter member and Past
Master of J.B. Easley Lodge 111 P.H. F. & A.M., and a was a member and Past
Worthy Patron of Chapter 85 Order of the Eastern Star, both at Uhrichsville.

He was the City of New Philadelphia's first African-American councilman, serving
Ward 1 between 1974 through 1985, including President Pro-Tem. Major was a
charter member of the Metropolitan Housing Board, 648 Mental Health Board,
Horizons Board, Tuscarawas County Democratic Party Executive Board, and was a
charter member of the N.A.A.C.P. in Tuscarawas County. He was a Boy Scout
Leader for Troop 98 of New Philadelphia. Additionally, Major received the
Robert E. Moore Outstanding Democrat Award in 1993, and was honored to be New
Philadelphia's First Town Days' Parade Marshal in 1986.

Major loved God, his family, his community and politics. He also found great
satisfaction in gardening and growing vegetables, which he did for many, many
years. There was a friendly competition in his neighborhood as to who could
have the best garden.

In addition to his wife, Wilma, Major is survived by a daughter, Jacqueline L.
(Robert) Sherrell of Dover; a son George W. (Naomi) Houston of New
Philadelphia; five grandchildren, Mitzi L. Sherrell of Hackettstown, New
Jersey, Richard L. Sherrell of Sterling, Virginia, Roderick L. Sherrell of San
Francisco, California, Tammy Houston and George Shawn Houston, both of New
Philadelphia; seven great-grandchildren, Alicia, Amber, Ashley, Cameo, Cairo
and Cayla Sherrell, and Michael Houston; a sister, Willie Belle Proven of
Canton; three brothers, Charles Houston of Buffalo, New York, Woodrow Houston
of Los Angeles, California, and Donald E. Houston of Cincinnati; and a host
nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by five sisters, Vera Tate
Singleton, Beatrice Richards Trammell, Mary Frances Robinson, Marie Alexander
and Elsie Foster; two brothers, Rev. William and Richard Houston; and two
half-brothers, Benjamin and Leon Houston.

A homegoing service for Major will be held Thursday, Apr. 21, at 1 p.m., in the
First Baptist Church with Rev. Christopher Lowery officiating. The procession
will form at Major and Wilma's home. Burial will be in Dover Burial Park.
Following the committal, there will be a meal in the church. Family and
friends are invited to call at the church on Wednesday, Apr. 20, 5 - 8 p.m.,
and on Thursday, from 12 - 1 p.m. A Masonic service will be held Wednesday at 7 p.m. To sign an online register and share a fond
memory of Major, please visit the funeral home's Web site and click on
'Obituaries.'

Memorial contributions may be made to the First Baptist Church, 140 Regent St.,
Dover, Ohio 44622.

Toland-Herzig, Dover
330-343-6132
www.tolandherzig.com