Cecil Hunter "Vato" Houston II

1976 - 2012

The Houstons announce the transition of their beloved family member Cecil Hunter Houston II, also affectionately known as "Vato." Today the family is celebrating Cecil's 37th birthday and recognizing the six-month anniversary of his death. Services were held Monday, Jan. 7, and Tuesday, Jan. 8, in Atlanta. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions to the Cecil H. Houston Memorial Fund, P.O. Box 43003, Atlanta, Ga. 30336. More information on Cecil can be found at www.ramonahouston.com. In the coming weeks the family will launch www.cecilvatohouston.com, where they will continue to celebrate Cecil's life and legacy. Friends have created a Facebook group page "Remembering Vato" to share memories of Cecil. Cecil was born June 30, 1976, in Brownwood to Cecil and Mary Loretta Jones of Brownwood and Fort Worth. He died unexpectedly Sunday, Dec. 30, 2012, in Atlanta, Ga., with no known prior health issues. He collapsed at a friend's house and never regained consciousness. An ambassador of music, Cecil worked and served in multiple capacities as a music educator, musician, performer, composer and arranger. A loving son, affectionate brother, doting father of four incredible boys, devoted husband, cherished extended family member, and loyal friend, Cecil was truly loved. Preceding Cecil in glory are his maternal grandfather, Jimmie Jones of Fort Worth and paternal grandparents, Bennie and Marjorie Houston of Brownwood. Survivors: His wife of 10 years, Fantara Johnson Houston; their four boys, Cecil III, age 11, Christian, age 10, Cahron, age 7, and Colin, age 5, all in Atlanta; grandmother, Izora Cannon Jones of Fort Worth; parents, Cecil and Loretta Houston of Atlanta; sisters, Dr. Ramona Houston and her husband, Terreon Gully, Rhonda Houston-Crisp and her husband. Eric Crisp, and Dr. Rhesa Houston, all of Atlanta. Cecil also leaves a host of other family members and friends.