Carrie Ida Horton

Carrie Ida Horton, affectionately known as “Tea,” was the second of 12 children born to the late Margaret and Albert Miller, Sr. in Saint Francisville, Louisiana.  She lived her life with purpose, according to her mantra that the number of years in one’s life is less important than the life in one’s years.  During her early days in Louisiana, Carrie played a strong role in the upbringing of her younger siblings, and this was not an easy task in the face of racism, sexism and other harsh realities.  Nevertheless, Carrie was clever, feisty and unwavering in her focus, all of which empowered her to be the solid role model that her younger siblings needed her to be.

Carrie eventually started a family of her own after marrying her sweetheart, the dashing Willie Jefferson Horton, Sr., on February 10, 1940 and blessing that union with four children lovingly called

Baby Ida, Junior Boy, Mazie, and Mary Jane.  Carrie prided herself on honoring and respecting her husband during the more than 61 years that they shared their lives.  As for her children, she had extremely high expectations, and she happily made that known.  She valued education, perseverance, and success, and she wanted her children to attend college and learn as much as they could so that they could achieve and be self-sufficient.  In fact, she often said that she wanted her three daughters to never have to depend on any man, and she even went as far as teaching her only son the art of cooking so that he would never have to rely upon a woman to be fed.

Carrie’s children could not even escape her presence while at school.  All four attended Stockton/King Elementary School, where Carrie was a mother figure to four generations of children during her 55 years of service, from 1947 until 2002.  Among other roles, she served as Room Mother and Lunch Assistant, organized Halloween carnivals and field trips, assisted with the administration of polio shots to children, and participated in a school district bond issue to build new schools.  She also worked closely with Superintendent of San Diego City Schools Dr. Dillard on the Superintendent’s Council, which oversaw seven elementary feeder schools, and she was an active member of the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), eventually becoming its President.  Carrie’s strong presence was further felt at Memorial Junior High School and San Diego High School, another two of her children’s alma maters, where she also served as PTA President. 

Carrie’s desire to live her life with purpose was also apparent in her longstanding service to the Lord.  She joined the Bethel Baptist family in 1938 under the leadership of the late Dr. Charles H. Hampton and continued under Dr. John W. Ringgold. She was a very devoted parishioner.  In fact, she was team captain of the November Birthday Club, and was very active in the Bethel Sunday School Department, the Solace Ministry and the Bereavement Ministry.  Carrie was a staple at Bethel and was instrumental in its growth and development.  Over the years, she very much enjoyed sharing her Bethel experience with her family, particularly with her grandchildren and great grandchildren, oftentimes imparting the same godly life lessons that she shared with her children.

Carrie drew her last breath on the evening of November 26, 2017, in the company of loved ones.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Margaret and Albert Miller, Sr.; her loving husband of more than 61 years, Willie Jefferson Horton, Sr.; two children, Ida Carrie Costin and Mary Florence Scott; three sisters, Florence Albertha Miller Wilkerson, Janie White, and Margaret Dourghty; 1 brother, Albert Miller; and one brother-in-law, Felthus B. Wilkerson, Sr.  She is survived by two children, Willie Jefferson Horton, Jr. and Margaret Armaza Carter; two sons-in law, Delmas Algernon Costin, Sr. and Eugene Carter; one daughter-in-law, Rulette Armstead; one sister, Josie Miller Williams; three brothers, Eugene R. Miller, Willie R. Miller, and John C. Miller, Sr.; eight grandchildren, Delida Aniz Costin, Esq., Bennie McElvaine IV, Delmas Algernon Costin, Jr., Esq., Desmynd Ames Costin, Tobi Jené Carter, Esq., Yurii Bashe Horton, Typhani Danai Carter, LCSW, and Carey Clayton Horton Scott; seven great grandchildren, Tyler William Costin, Conner Ethan Costin, Hasani Benjamin Scott, Oliver James Costin, Delmas Algernon Costin, Warren James Costin, and Kyrin Scott; three sisters-in-law, Juanita Miller, Maude Ann Miller, and Shirley Miller; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends to celebrate her life and legacy of love and purpose.