Gloria B. Houston passed away peacefully into the arms of our Lord while at her home in Aliso Viejo, California. She was preceded in her passing by her loving husband of 67 years, James Guilford Houston. Also, preceded by her parents, William Henry Buchanan Sr. and Bertha Elizabeth (Becker) Buchanan, her loyal brother, William Henry Buchanan, Jr. and loving sister, Barbara Ann (Buchanan) Fullerton.

She is survived by her devoted daughter, Barbara Ellen McCain (loving son in law Dr. Dennis McCain, Sr.), Grandchildren, Sean McCain (Melissa), Dennis McCain, Jr. (Jennifer), Shannon Alderson (Gary), 8 Great Grandchildren and 3 Great-Great Grandchildren, nieces and nephews.
Born Gloria Irene Buchanan in New York City, New York, she was the oldest of her siblings. She attended New York public schools, graduating with honors. She was selected for a special WWII accelerated program at Penn State University where she studied Math and Engineering. She then worked at Curtis-Wright Aircraft Corporation in Buffalo, New York in thedevelopment of new aircraft.She served in the WAVES during World War II in Washington, DC in the National Weather Service, European Front. It was there that she met her beloved husband, James, a Marine Raider. They were married at Camp Lejeune on September 25, 1945.
Gloria continued her education at the University of Missouri, Columbia where she earned her BA in education. She earned her Master's in Education at the University of Missouri, Kansas City. She later attended the University of California, Los Angeles, from which she received her PhD in Education. She taught primary school in Missouri and California, where she later retired as a Master Teacher for the Los Angeles County School District.
Gloria enjoyed many years of Emeritus classes at local community colleges, including Art, Art History, Calligraphy and Yoga. She continued her love of Yoga until shortly before her passing. She had a passion for education and the WAVES. She served as President of The WAVES Southcoast Unit #132 for many years.
Gloria was a loving, selfless, and devoted wife, mother and grandmother. After moving to California, Gloria and James lived in Northridge, Dana Point and Aliso Viejo. They were among the original residents of The Covington Episcopal Retirement Community where she attended the weekly services and continued in her faith. Many said she had a pep to her step and displayed grace and dignity. She was a positive, loving influence to her family and others.
Her family has been blessed to have had her in their lives and will continue to honor her memory by seeking to live their lives in a way that would make her proud. Gloria was greatly loved and will be missed by her family and all who had the privilege of knowing her.
The family wishes to thank Orange County Hospice, Dr. Maziar Zamani and The Covington for their care and kindness in her final days. A private family ceremony and burial will be held in her memory.

The family requests that no flowers be sent for service.