Maurice R. Horton Sr.

Maurice R. Horton Sr., first son born to the union of Sam and Ietta Mitchell Horton, May 20, 1935 in Curtis, Arkansas (Clark County). Nurtured in a Christian home and receiving and accepting the early teachings in church, he accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as his Savior and united with Mt. Friendship Baptist Church, Curtis, Arkansas. As a child and youth, he was involved in the church ministries, serving as Superintendent of the Sunday School. After accepting employment in another locale and the establishment of his family, he continued to support the home church. Frequently, he reflected on the positive influence his church and community had on his life. After establishing a home in Pine Bluff, he united with St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church. Here he was active in Sunday School; the Men's Ministry; and a Trustee serving as treasurer, until his recent illness. Horton, president of the 1953 senior class, graduated from Peake High School, Arkadelphia, Arkansas. After graduation he entered A.M.&N. College, (now the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff). In the summer of 1955, while working in Kansas City, Horton received a call from his mother. Encouraged by her support and others in the community, he accepted the challenge to transfer from A.M.&N., to Henderson State Teacher College (now Henderson State University) in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. In 1957, he became the first black to graduate from Henderson State Teachers College. After graduating with a BSE in Mathematics, he returned to his alma mata (Peake High School) and taught mathematics and science. Later he taught mathematics at Washington High School, El Dorado, Arkansas. During the early 1960's he returned to the Henderson campus to pursue a master's degree. After three summers he received the MSE in Mathematics. Later, Horton attended Kansas State University at Manhattan, Kansas and the University of Arkansas at Faytteville, Arkansas. September 24, 1960 he united in Holy Matrimony with Queen Katryne Stanfield. This union was blessed with one daughter; Kay Marcia and two sons; Maurice R. Jr., and Keith M. In 1965, Horton had joined the Dollarway school District as a high school Mathematics teacher. Here he was committed and dedicated to serve the students and patrons. This love continued until and after his retirement. frequently he stated, "It's all about the children." Supporting the interest of his sons and daughter he became involved in "Pine Bluff International Little League" and served several years as the commissioner. With a deep concern for the students, he attended all activities sponsored by the school. Many miles were covered accompanying the athletes, and band, or transporting students and co-workers to various conferences, seminars, and competitions. In 1993, Horton was named Superintendent of the Dollarway School District. He had served as a high school mathematics teacher , assistant high school principal and ten (10) ears as high school principal. He served thirteen (13) years as an administrator prior to being named superintendent. Considering retirement, Horton sought to be a part of organizations that shared and exhibited his commitment to serve. He chose RSVP (Retired Senior Volunteers Program) and the Rotary Club of West Pine Bluff. With an appreciation for the teaching and learning experiences he received at Peake High School, he began helping to establish the Peake High School Foundation., accepting the responsibility of serving as president and seeking funding for he restoration of the Rosenwald Building- an historic structure. In February, 2007, Horton was one of four former Dollarway District employees to have a new building on the Dollarway High School campus named and dedicated in their honor- The Horton-Richardson Building. Reaching out to others with a humanitarian spirit and love for people, he touched, enriched, and was a positive influence in many lives. "May the life I lived speak for me." His memory and legacy will be cherished, continued and preserved by his loving and devoted wife, Queen Katryne S. Horton; daughter, Kay Marcia Horton, Huntsville, Alabama; sons, Maurice R. Horton, Jr. (Genesha), Cedar Hill, Texas, and Keith M. Horton (Stephanie) Pine Bluff, Arkansas; four grandsons: Kalan G. Horton; twins, Maurice R. Horton III and Jerry Marcellius Horton; and King Micah Anthony Horton; sisters: Henry Etta Horton, Arkadelphia, Arkansas, Mattie J. Armstrong (Floyd), Chicago, Illinois; Barbara A. Smith (Clarence), Wichita, Kansas; brothers: Samuel Horton (Bernis), Curtis, Arkansas; Jerry L. Horton, Palm Springs, California; Donald A. Horton, Curtis, Arkansas. Friends and family are invited to the celebration of his life, Friday, October 1, 2010, at 12 noon at the Saint Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1404 South Georgia Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas; Reverend Steven King officiating. Interment will be at the Wildwood section of Graceland Cemetery. Visitation is Thursday, from 5 until 7 p.m. at the P.K. Miller Mortuary. Mr. Horton will lie in repose at the church on Friday from 11:00 until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, the family request that contributions be made to the Maurice R. Horton Sr., Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Simmons First National Bank, 501 South Main Street, Pine Bluff, Arkansas 71601.