Elnora Green Houston

Mrs. Elnora Green Houston, who won the hearts of New Orleans music lovers and dance-goers alike, peacefully entered eternal rest on October 4, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Affectionately known as "the woman with the voice of a nightingale,” Elnora first attracted the attention of music fans when she sang lead roles in Booker T. Washington High School operettas. Even then, her voice teacher Mrs. Gladys Hill predicted she would go far in the music field…and far she went. Elnora performed with the William Houston Orchestra for 41 years. Bill Houston’s Orchestra was legendary in Southeastern Louisiana. The orchestra and its music were commonly enjoyed at Mardi Gras balls, conventions, and social events such as the Original Illinois Club, Macados, Kappa Black and White, the Zulu Brunch, the Bunch Ball, the Urban League Gala, Young Men Illinois, Bonanza Ball, Jug Buddies, and the Delta Cotillion. In addition to her musical accomplishments, Elnora was a dedicated teacher. She taught at McDonough No. 7, William J. Guste, McCarthy Elementary, and the Urban League Street Academy. Most notably, Elnora was the director of the Preschool of Contemporary Learning for 31 years. She spoke often and fondly of her preschool “babies” and their accomplishments as adults. Elnora’s entire life was devoted to teaching youth and adults, and to bringing great joy to the people of New Orleans through song and music. Elnora Green Houston was born May 26, 1943 to the late Mildred Smith Glover and Walter William Green. A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, she attended Orleans Parish Public Schools and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School in 1960. Upon graduating high school, Elnora attended Dillard University. Elnora leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Donelle Humphrey Franklin, and son-in-law, Terrence (Atlanta, Ga.); Bonus Children: William Houston III (Katrina) (New Orleans, La.) and Roxayne H. Strong (Harold) (Denton, Texas); Grandsons: Cameron Paul Franklin (Atlanta, Ga.) and William Houston IV (New Orleans, La.); Granddaughters: Ashley Yorgensen (Jason) Culpepper (Virginia), Kandace Houston (New Orleans, La.) and Faith Strong (Denton, Texas). Elnora further leaves to cherish her memory a host of relatives and friends. Relatives, friends of the family, musicians, teachers and students of the Preschool of Contemporary Learning, William Houston Orchestra, and members of The Greater Little Zion Baptist Church are all invited to attend the Christian Burial Saturday October 14,2023 at The Lawless Memorial Chapel at Dillard University, New Orleans, La. Visitation will be held from 9:00 am to 10:00am. Funeral services will be held immediately after. Internment services will be held at Providence Memorial Park, 8200 Airline Dr, Metairie, LA 70003, following the funeral service. Reverend Gilbert Scie, of The Greater Little Zion Baptist Church will be officiating. Arrangements by DW Rhodes Funeral Home, 3933 Washington Ave.; Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the guest book.