Mnister Lani Taleka Houston was born prematurely on April 15, 1977, at 4:15 pm in Tampa, Florida to Lonnie J. Houston Sr. and Shirley Everett Houston. Lani impacted many lives in her lifetime, whether with her personality and good heart or the delicious pound cakes and sweet potato pies she made from her kitchen. She accepted Christ at an early age. She was baptized on September 15, 1991, at Living Faith Assembly of God by Pastor Malcolm Burleigh. She spent a lifetime in the ministry, specializing in Youth ministry and Praise and Worship. During her youth, Lani participated in many extra-curricular activities including dance, piano, majorette, cheerleading, and soccer. She attended Foster Elementary, Greco Jr. High and graduated from King Sr. High School, class of 1995. She attended Belmont Abbey on a Soccer Scholarship, where she majored in special education. She briefly taught in the Hillsborough County public schools before moving on to a successful career in social services. Lani was in the process of obtaining her masters degree in clinical Mental Health, so she could continue to make a meaningful impact on the lives of others. She was called into ministry and ordained at Faith Celebration Church on March 27, 2022. She lived a life of faith and generosity. She had a passion for Christ and served Him wherever He led her. Her heart for youth was evident in many ways as she ministered and mentored youth that crossed her path. She was a devoted worshipper and faithful servant. Her life was a melody and sweet fragrance to the Lord. There was nothing that Lani would withhold from those in need. This mighty woman of prayer encouraged and lead many to the Lord by her actions.

She was preceded in death by grandparents, Robert and Ruth Houston; Percy and Helen Everett; aunts, Marva Brown, Mamie Ashby, Marilyn Everett; uncles, Thomas Hills, George, Ervin and Willie Washington and Robert Houston, Jr.

Lani leaves to cherish her memory loving parents, Lonnie and Shirley Houston, Sr., siblings; Darryl and Lonnie Houston II, and Trevita Horton.; nieces and nephews, TiyRenee Riley, Carter and Amina Houston, Taylin and Tycen Dowdell; uncles, Lee (Ruby) Washington, Lithonia, GA, Alexander Pugh, Tampa, FL, Jonathan (Jacqueline) Houston, Jasper, FL, and Joe Butler(Ann), Mulberry, FL. great uncle; Melvin Johnson; aunts, Karen Everett-Saab, Viola (Kenny) Archbold, Eartha Hills, Claudia Gainer, Tampa, FL, and Sanook Washington, Live Oak, FL.; great aunts, Bernice Bolden, Claretha Bolden, Hannah Williams, Tampa, FL.; cousins, Yolanda Herring, Sherri Hall, Demetric Everett, Nikki Hills Brown, Malawi Hills, Keno Hills, Torya Lynn Hills, Oscar Hills, Chachi Udomporn, Valerie Washington, Jackie Washington, Tamera Washington, Kimberly Washington, Utonda Johnson, Larrissa Washington Coley, Valencia Washington, Waytonia Washington, LeMonica Hakeem, LeTonya Waterman, Akilah Graham-Allen, Jasmin Belton, Kawri Brown, Craig Brown, Chezne Coleman, Kelli Delaughter, Francisco Archbold, Tiffany Houston, Joshua Houston, Jonas Houston, Jeremiah Houston, Sherri Herring, and Debra Brown; godmother, and godbrothers Melva Brown, Carlos Pinnace, and Kashiff Talib-Din; special friends, Dr. Andrea Smith-Beverly, Janice Pray, Tammi Wilds, Wendy Morrow Wimbush, Chaunee Grimsley-Pinckney, Keonta Kendrick, Johnathan Gray, and a host of other loving cousins, relatives, and many sorrowing friends, colleagues, and acquaintances.

The visitation will be held at New Greater Friendship Missionary Baptist Church 3325 East Emma St, Tampa, Florida 33610 on Friday, December 15th, 5-8 p.m. The family and friends are asked to meet at the church on Saturday for the service.

Visitation

New Greater Friendship

Friday, December 15, 2023
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM 3325 E. Emma St. Tampa, FL 33610
Directions
Funeral Service

Faith Celebration Church

Saturday, December 16, 2023
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM 1010 olive street lakeland, FL 33815
Directions
Funeral Service

Garden of Memories

Saturday, December 16, 2023
12:30 PM - 1:30 PM 4207 East Lake Avenue Tampa, FL 33610
Directions