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BORN
1921
DIED
2014
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Ida Houston Obituary
Ida Mae Houston passed away peacefully on September 14, 2014 at the age of 93.
Born April 3, 1921 in Shreveport, Louisiana. Ida was the third child of the late Rolly and Sarah Suttle. After Sarah's death. Ida was raised by her father and step-mother Amanda. She was the last of the seven children to pass away.
Ida graduated from high school and cosmetology school in Shreveport. There, she met married Willey L. Houston Sr. (Bill). She and her oldest son Willey Jr. moved to Ventura, Ca in January of 1944 to join two of her sisters and their families. Her husband joined her after completing his military service. Two additional children were born to that union; Richard and Barbara.
In 1955, Ida and Bill constructed a business called Houston's Cafe placing them among the first few African-American business owners in Ventura. She became a widow in 1956, and never remarried. She dedicated her life to raising her three children and running her business. She retired after 55 years of self-employment in 2010, at the age of 89.
Ida was a loving, caring mother and grandmother who will be missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her three children: Willey L. Houston Jr. of Sacramento, CA, Richard L. Houston of Valencia, CA, and Barbara A. Journet of Oxnard, CA; nine grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces and nephews.
A celebration of life for Ida will be held at the Ivy Lawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home Chapel, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura, CA at 1 p.m. on September 26, 2014.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Ida Houston
Ron Garcia
September 17, 2023
I moved away from Ventura in 1967 and never lived there again. Yet, my childhood memories good, bad, and ugly (mostly good) will forever be linked to the Houston family. Mrs. Houston was so elegant and hard working. As a young brat, I did not realize the strength and will she possessed to raise a family and run a business. I will always remember Mrs. Houston and Willie, Richard, and Barbara and be grateful for being in my childhood. Peace. (Ronnie Garcia-my name changes from Ron to Ronnie once I pass San Luis Obispo on way to Ventura)
Ron garcia
October 4, 2022
I just came across this note so my comments come late. I grew up in the Houston household and new Bill before he passed. Mrs. Houston (I would never call her Ida) was a strong and beautiful person. She raised her family as a single parent while running Houston´s Cafe. All the children learned to play an instrument and all were extremely smart. I would read their encyclopedia books waiting for Richie to finish his piano lessons. She always treated me well and I will always have such fond memories of her as she was so much a part of my childhood on Park Row. I think she lived a good life and Hope she is resting peace. Love to Wille, Richie and Barbara Ann.
Anthony Jordan
June 19, 2018
I met Mrs. Houston back in 1984 or 85 when I lived in Oxnard. My mother Catherine Jessie Jordan introduced me to her. Mrs. Houston was very nice and kind. My condolence to her family.
October 7, 2014
Willie, Barbara and Richard. Kermit and I are praying for you. We admire your Mom so much. We love you. Kermit and Joan Kelley
michael haynes
September 26, 2014
rest in peace ida, u were a shining light when we had no place to go
Jim Penny
September 25, 2014
Mama Ida accepted me immediately. Treated me as part of the family and was so fun to be around. We played pool, drank beer and told lots of stories. I will miss her sense of humor and watching how she was so respected by all that knew her. We will meet again.
September 25, 2014
RIP IDA Iknew her for a short time when I stop in to see her from time to time I will miss her Bruce the truck driver
September 25, 2014
RIP IDA we wll miss you
Bruce and Natalie
Maverick Gladney
September 25, 2014
Sorry to hear about the passing of Mrs. Houston ,"she was a lovely person,may she rest in peace !
Cheryl ( Shirley) Smith
September 25, 2014
Ida was a wonderful caring women. She passed her strength and powerful spirit onto to everyone who had the honor of knowing her. She will always be alive in the wonderful caring family she raised and guided. RIP. God is watching over all you loved.
Tamika Schmidt
September 24, 2014
Your beautiful spirit and kind heart will be missed by all the wonderful lives you have touched.
Your customers from VTA AVE
September 24, 2014
Very sweet classic woman, lots of memories, at the HOUSTON, fun times, many yrs ago. RIP, Mz Houston, thankyou for all the yrs.
joann sanders
September 24, 2014
rip Ida
September 24, 2014
I loved hearing Mama Ida stories and they all came to light when I'd see you and the spirit in you! You always made me laugh! You leave a legacy of a very close family and you will continue in all of our hearts and your stories will make us all crack a smile or laugh a little now and then, even those not related! Rest peacefully, Mama Ida.
Lisa, Mike, Charlotte & Averie
September 23, 2014
Forever in our thoughts. We miss you.
La Tanya Jackson
September 23, 2014
Aunt Ida you made a bad day turn into one of best days just by listening. You will be greatly missed. I'm so sorry I put off visiting you. Now you are with Mother Nonia your Sister again. I remember how you would walk me home from the bus stop when I was younger and talk to her for hours. I miss those days. One day we will be together again. I love you to the moon and back touching every star in between. Keep smiling on us Beautiful.
September 23, 2014
We will miss you very much! Love Laura, Ty, Zayne, Keegan and Macie
Cameron Penny
September 23, 2014
RIP MamaIda. Your work here on earth will never be forgotten. Love Cameron
Bobby Hill
September 23, 2014
To Willie, Richard, Barbara and family,
I wish to over my sympathy and condolences to each of you. Mrs. Houston was a beautiful, classy lady, You are in my thoughts and prayers, Love, Bobby
K'lah,Dion,Anthony Houston
September 23, 2014
You will be missed so much Mama Ida! You get the Best Great Grandma and Best Great Great Grandma award! LOVE YOU MORE THAN WORDS! RIP
Danielle Penny
September 23, 2014
I will miss you MamaIda!
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