Norwood James Houston, 82, passed away on May 24, 2017 to be with his heavenly father, whom he worshipped throughout his life and death. His strong devotion to his family and his firm belief in God supported him in his struggle and ultimately gave him peace.

Norwood James was born to the late Alfred Houston and Nannie Houston in Duplin County on April 14, 1935. He married his wife of 59 years, Carol Lee Houston, in New Bern, NC. He loved his wife with all of his heart as was witnessed by his visible affection and unwavering commitment to be by her side through all of life’s ups and downs. Norwood was blessed with a large and loving family. He and Carol Lee raised five children: Glen Houston (Melissa), Ann Singleton, Barbara Houston, Dawn Hamilton (Gary), all of Washington, and Colleen Woolard (Gary) of Elizabeth City. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Andy Singleton, Chris Houston (Emily), Cagney Singleton, Shannon Neal (Brandon), Brent Hamilton (Miranda), Caroline McRoy, Nick Woolard (Meredith); and four great-grandchildren: Bailey Singleton, Taylor McRoy, Olivia Houston and Hadley Grace Hamilton.

Norwood is also survived by two sisters, Ruby Cozzens of Lebanon, TN, and Reba Griffin of New Bern. He is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Julian Houston, Al Houston; and sisters, Phoebe Houston, Virginia Hart, Mable Hall, Yvonne Bradshaw, Dorothy Mae Bradshaw and Doris Sumner. Norwood is also survived by many nieces, nephews, family and friends. During his lifetime, Norwood took in various family members into his home. He believed in family and sharing what the Lord had blessed him with. He wanted to be the rock for all of us to lean on.

Never will you meet a more simple and humble man who joyfully lived his values of God and family. His faithfulness and loyalty to the important people in his life was witnessed in his steadfast love of God. His word was his bond. Norwood was a self-made and self-reliant man. He was immersed in the Christian community and found joy and happiness in sharing his love of God with fellow friends and Christians. He loved to sing and once he found his voice, shouted his praises at home, at church, to those who were bedridden, and those in need of God’s grace. Norwood was a member of Love Missionary Baptist Church of Washington.

Visitation will be held at the Family Life Center at First Church of Christ, 520 East 10th Street, Washington, from 2:00 to 3:00 on Sunday, May 28. A celebration of life memorial service for Norwood James Houston will be held immediately following visitation at 3:30 in the First Church of Christ sanctuary. Pastor Doug Batchelor will officiate the service. Everyone is welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the American Cancer Society Relay For Life or a mission of your choice. The family will receive friends and family at the home on 101 Sweetbriar Road, Washington.