Houston, Jr., Alex J. “Brother” – age 61, of Knoxville, went to be with our Heavenly Savior on Monday, October 31, 2011.  Preceded in death by father Alex J. Houston, Sr., sister, Barbara (Houston) Upton, brothers, David and John Houston; nephews, David and Michael Houston.

Alex graduated from Austin High School in 1968.  He was an U.S Army Veteran served in Vietnam and served for 17 years as a U.S. Army Reserve.  While in Vietnam, he dedicated his life for protecting our country.  He was also a faithful employee by the City of Knoxville Garage for many years. 

Alex Jr. leaves to mourn his passing: children: Reggie, Alex III (Ahbani) of OH, Maurice and Tiffany Houston, former wife and children’s mother, Francine (Stinson) King; 12 grandchildren; 3 great grandchildren; mother, Paula Houston; siblings Ray, Fannie Jo Houston and Judy (Bill) McCoy; a host of other relatives and friends.  On Monday, November 7, 2011, the family will receive friends from 11:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. with the funeral to follow at the Unity Mortuary Chapel.  Pastor David Upton officiating.   Interment will immediately follow the service at Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery, John Sevier Highway.  The service will conclude with full military honors and doves will be released.

Crutcher, Annie Lue– peacefully departed this life on Sunday, October 30, 2011.  She was born May 24, 1925 to the union of Carrie and Albert Turman, Sr. in McCormick County,SC.  Mrs. Crutcher was a devoted member and Mother of Victory View Baptist Church for over 60 years.  She provided dedicated community service through Eastern Star and NAACP organizations.  She was a licensed insurance agent and possessed a degree in Business Administration from the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.  She was employed by Union Protective for a number of years and retired from Universal Insurance Company. 

 Mrs. Crutcher was preceded in death by her loving husband of 50 years, Percy (departed 1996), parents and brothers: James, Teet, Albert, Jr. and Otis Turman.  Left to mourn her passing and cherish her memory are daughters, Alice Crutcher of Knoxville and Sharon Okoye of CT; four grandchildren: Tameka and Anthony Flack, Jr. of Knoxville, Anita Okoye of CT and Kenisha (Bradley) Sanderson of KS; 3 great grandchildren: siblings: Drucilla (Junior) Thomas, Shirley Kennedy, Louise Brown, Catherine and Bessie (James) Cade, Charlena Anderson, DaisyBell McCier, Louis (May Lee) Turman and Oralee, all of SC, Geneva (Jack) Madison and Melvin (Delores) Turman, both of CT;  a host of other relatives and friends.  The family will receive friends from 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, November 4, 2011 at Unity Mortuary Chapel.  The funeral will immediately follow, officiated by Reverend Dexter Jordan.  Interment will immediately follow the service at Sherwood Memorial Gardens in Alcoa.  The service will conclude with a full dove release.