Celestine House

Mrs. Celestine House was born August 30, 1944, in Minter, Alabama, to the late Elmo Smith and Annette Davis-Williams. She was the second of ten children, but if you know the family, there were 18 of them because her first cousins were her siblings as well. Celestine was raised by her “Uncle George” and graduated from Washington Senior High School in Penascola, Florida.

Celestine moved to the Bronx in New York after graduating high school, where she married her childhood love, Emest “Em” House. They had nearly 60 years together as husband and wife. She had two children: Yolanda Yvette (Alveraz “Al”) Cowans and La Rhonda Monique House; three grandchildren, Alveraz James Cowans Jr., Kaje Lewis Arthur Cowans, and Kyrah La Shon Jones; and two great-grandchildren, Evan Cowans and Kai Norstrand.

Celestine volunteered for many years on the PTA at her children’s elementary school, P.S. 18, and middle school, I.S. 183. She worked closely with the school’s administration and other PTA volunteers to make sure the children and school were represented by running different activities and events like fundraisers, bake sales, and book drives. She also received accolades for her service to the schools. Over the years, she developed relationships with the ladies of the PTA.

Celestine accepted Christ at an early age. She was a member of Temple Gate A.M.E Church in Minter, Alabama.  When she moved to New York, she became a member of Mother Walls A.M.E. Zion Church, and was an active member until her mobility caused her to not be able to attend in person. Celestine was a member for 40-plus years, and during her active years, she was a class leader, member of the choir, and served on multiple boards of the church. Celestine was a God-fearing woman who bought her children and grandchildren up in church.  Until her passing she was in contact with her church family.

Celestine developed relationships with friends that have sustained the test of time, and she will be missed dearly by them and her family. While Celestine and her sisters, “the Davis girls,” would put you in your place but love you at the same time, her brothers would stand back quietly and observe. Annette Davis’ children are unique in their own special way.

Celestine was Preceded in death by: her mother and father, Elmo Smith and Annette Davis-Williams; uncle, George Draine; aunt, Jennie Bell Draine and Catherine Moorer; brother, Walter; sister, Annie; cousin/sister, Lula; cousin/brother, Dean and Ike; niece, LaTasha; in-laws, Lewis and Eliza House, Geneva Graham, Johnny Lewis-House, and Leola Deed; and too many other aunties, uncles, and cousins to name.

Celestine leaves to cherish her memories: her siblings, Joann, Lee Emest (Peggy), Viola (John), Clifton (Brenda), Anne, Alfred, and Junior Sam (Arrellia); first cousin/siblings, Daisy Mae, Louisa, Doris, Wyvonia, Pharaoh (Annie), Alphonso (Betty), and Ezell (Emma); sister-in-law, Wilemnia Smiley; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Funeral services have been scheduled for Saturday, August 9, 2025 at 1:00PM from the Temple Gate CME Church with the Reverend James Watson, officiating.  Burial will follow in the churchyard cemetery with Aubrey Larkin's Lewis Brothers Funeral Home serving with excellence through professional service.  Mrs. House will lie in repose one hour prior to the funeral hour at the church.

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