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Christina H. Houston, 91, passed quietly at home on October 31, 2009. She was born Christmas Day, 1917, in Coffeyville, Kansas to Lucille Mitchell and Benjamin Hines. At age 13, she moved to Albuquerque and soon graduated Albuquerque High School, where she excelled in sports and developed a lifelong love of dancing. She was married to William C. Houston for 20 years and bore five children. A pioneer in the battle against racism and sexism, she was the first African-American employed at Mountain Bell (now Quest) among many other firsts. She retired from federal service in 1976. Christina was a member of Grant Chapel AME Church for almost 80 years during which she held numerous leadership posts and was active in the NAACP and other community organizations. In addition to dancing, she loved music and card playing and developed an interest in Tai Chi in later life. Wise and witty, she was beloved for her generosity, sage counsel, sense of propriety, style, directness and impish sense of humor. Christina was predeceased by her birth parents; adoptive father Porter Mack Herndon; son, William C. Houston, Jr.; and siblings Buddy, Horace and Beverly Herndon. She is survived by daughters, Dana T.C. Bruce of Albuquerque, Louella H. Pointer and spouse Robert of Dallas, Texas, Christina A. Houston and spouse John A. Lewis of Albuquerque; and son, William C. Houston III of Philadelphia, PA; brothers, Arthur Herndon of Albuquerque and Bobby Herndon of Los Angeles, CA; grandchildren, Nina E. Bruce, Charlotte D. Lowe and spouse Cedrick and Derek Bruce; family friend, Marla Muniz. Christina leaves ten great-grandchildren; five great-great-grandchildren and numerous, nieces, nephews and friends. Christina requested cremation. A celebration of her life will be held Saturday, November 7, 2009 at 11:00 a.m. at the Grant Chapel AME Church, 7920 Claremont Avenue, NE, Albuquerque, In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Albuquerque Youth Symphony Program, P. O. Box 30963, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87190 or online at aysmusic.org. A special thanks to Zia Hospice and her caregivers. Those who wish to send condolences may do so at www.danielsfuneral.com. Christina's care has been entrusted to: Daniels Family Funeral Services 3113 Carlisle NE Albuquerque, NM 87110 (505) 884-1188
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