THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Friday, October 14, 1994 TAG: 9410140490
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B5 EDITION: FINAL
DATELINE: EDENTON LENGTH: Medium: 58 lines
Dr. Johnnie H. Horton, 74, retired dentist, civic and church leader, died in Edenton on Wednesday, Oct. 12, 1994.
Dr. Horton was born in Edenton on Nov. 24, 1919, to John and Elizabeth Horton. He graduated from St. Augustine's College in Raleigh and entered the School of Dentistry at Howard University, Washington, D.C., where he earned a doctor's degree in dental surgery in 1946.
When he left Howard, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant. Two years later, he was discharged as a captain and entered into private dental practice in Edenton and Williamston, N.C. Dr. Horton was a member of numerous professional organizations, including the Old North State Dental Society, Eastern North Carolina Medical, Dental and Pharmaceutical Society, American Dental Association and the National Dental Association.
Dr. Horton, a lifelong member of St. John The Evangelist Episcopal Church, Edenton, served as senior warden and vestry member. Additionally, he served on many committees in the Diocese of East Carolina and was the first chairman of the Coalition of Black Episcopalians. Dr. Horton was instrumental in the planning and developmental stages of Trinity Camp and Conference Center at Salter Path, N.C., serving as a member of the Center's original Developmental Commission.
Dr. Horton was also very active in civic and community affairs. He was elected to the Edenton-Chowan Board of Education, served on the Board of Chowan Credit Union, and was appointed to a Cabinet Committee on Education by President Richard Nixon, where he provided outstanding guidance and leadership to the resolution of complex educational and school desegregation issues. Dr. Horton was appointed to the Board of Trustees of Elizabeth City State University by Governor James Hunt, and also served on the Executive Committee of the Board of Trustees of St. Augustine's College. His love and devotion to St. Augustine's College was evidenced by his service as past president of the National Alumni Association, and his active participation in alumni affairs. He later received the degree of Doctor of Civil Laws, Honoris Causa from his cherished alma mater.
Dr. Horton is survived by his devoted wife, Mary G. Horton of Edenton; one son, Donald Walker Horton, one daughter-in-law, Betty Horton, and one grandson, John H. Horton II of Fort Washington, Md.; two sisters, Mrs. Bernetta Pullen of Raleigh and Mrs. Rogeria Vincent of New York City; two aunts, Ms. Emily Nixon and Ms. Marguerite Nixon of Edenton; two brothers-in-law, Mr. Howard Pullen of Raleigh and Mr. Erinee Vincent of New York City; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Funeral services will be held Saturday at noon in St. John The Evangelist Episcopal Church, Edenton, N.C. The burial will follow in Beaver Hill Cemetery. The family will receive friends this evening from 7 to 8 p.m. at Blair Funeral Service.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to St. John The Evangelist Episcopal Church in memory of Johnnie Horton, c/o Mrs. Mary G. Horton, P.O. Box 466, Edenton, N.C. 27932.
KEYWORDS: DEATH OBITUARY by CNB