Family, Friends & Fellow Officers Remember...

My Grandmother was such a great person! We miss you so much forever in our hearts.

Crystal Mack
Granddaughter

February 10, 2024

Your name was traced from the law enforcement memorial in Washington DC, and placed on our table during a 2 day Blue Courage Training session. We spoke your name proudly and shared your story with other classmates. Your sacrifice was remembered and your legacy lives on.

Lieutenant EF Bader
Metropolitan Police Department Washington DC

August 17, 2023

Officer Houston,

I’m sorry. You did not deserve this. I was just a kid when I saw the news story on TV about you. I still remember. As long as I am on duty, I won’t forget.

Isaiah Marquez / CO IV
Texas Department of Criminal Justice

November 12, 2022

AS I SIT HERE IN THANKING GOD FOR THE TRUE BLESSING THAT HE BESTOWED UPON MRS.MINNIE RENE SIMMONS FAMILY AND ALSO THE BUTLER FAMILY OF LOLA BELL SMITH BUTLER OF TRINITY,TX WHICH IS MY DEAR GRANDMOTHER THAT I LOVE AND MISS BOTH OF THEM DEARLY,I WAS 13 YRS OLD WHEN THIS TRANSITION OF LIFE JOURNEYS HAD INDIVIDUALLY BLESSED EACH FAMILY LOVE ONES WITH THE FRUITS OF LIFE BY HONORING BOTH LEGACY'S IN LIFE AND DEATH BY NUTURING MY WELL-BEING BY HUMBLING MY SPIRIT WITH THE SOFT SPOKEN VOICE OF MY DEAR MOTHER NAMED AFTER HER MOTHER WHICH IS LOLA GAYNELL BUTLER-PICKAREE. I PERSONALLY WILL LIKE TO SAY , IT IS A HONOR AND PRIVILEGE TO BE A PART OF A TRUE LEGACY OF GODLY,BEAUTIFUL, AND BOLDLY WOMEN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE FENCE. EVERY MORNING I LOOK AT MY MOTHER AND MY AUNT RUTH, 'IN REMEMBERANCE OF MY AUNT JOYCE, AUNT CHERRY,UNCLE LEROY,UNCLE ROY. I SEE YOUR BEAUTIFUL SMILE THROUGH THEM EACH AND EVERY MORNING REMINDING ME OF MY BLESSINGS FOR THE REST OF OUR LIVES. THANK YOU ALL FOR LETTING ME SHARE THIS BLESSED MOMENT WITH FAMILY, SINCERELY,

LAWRENCE PICKAREE

FAMILY
SMITH,BUTLER,PICKAREE

June 10, 2021

This is my cousin and I was in the 8th grade when this happened. My family was devastated. The service was memorable. I remember her brother being there with prison guard escorts (Ira Dean Jr). That stood out to me as a child. Everyone loved her.

Angel Hughes, RN , MBA
Cousin

December 22, 2020

Rest in peace knowing that your service and sacrifice will always be remembered by your law enforcement brethren.

Detective Cpl/3 Steven Rizzo
Delaware State Police (Retired)

August 11, 2020

Never forgotten and you often cross my mind. You inspired me to be the best officer I could be.

SG Emerson CO III
Former Ellis II CO trained by Officer Houston

January 1, 2020

Rest in peace Correctional Officer Houston.

Rabbi Lewis S. Davis

June 3, 2019

Rest In Peace Sister LEO. You are honored and remembered on the 34th anniversary of your EOW.

Officer Mike Robinson (Ret.)
Upland Police Dept. CA

June 3, 2019

I am the Granddaughter of Minnie R Houston! We Miss her more and more every year.

Crystal Mack
Granddaughter

December 22, 2018

Remembering you today Minnie. Learned of you during our Blue Courage training for the County of San Diego's Probation Department. You live on with those who carry the torch. Thank you for your service and dedication sister. May you rest in peace.

Rebecca Lopez-Correctional Officer
County of San Diego Probation

May 3, 2018

I will pray for your soul and family my sister.

Lieutenant Ray Flores
N.Y.P.D. (retired)

June 3, 2017

I never knew Minnie Houston but I was a TDC officer who ate at the Ellis 1 ODR during my TDC Training Academy. I was inspired by her courage and professionalism. Later on, when I was working in Colorado, and assigned to security I tried to stay close tho the chow hall so I could get there quickly. Coincidentally, the Food Service Officer working by herself in the Chow Hall was Sgt. Houston.......

Retired Correctional Officer Ted Carr
TDC, TDCJID, CDOC

May 5, 2017

Such a beautiful tribute by Blue Courage. Rest In Peace.

DPC Kimberly Beaty
Buffalo Police Department

December 6, 2016

Rest in Peace Corrections Officer Minnie R. Houston. Thank You for your Service and Sacrifice protecting the citizens of The Great State of Texas.

I Pray for Peace for your Family, Friends, and the men and women that now serve the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. I also Pray that the hounds of hell are gnaqwing on the bones of your murderer. May he burn in hell forever!

Amen

Senior Special Agent B.L. Sherwood (Ret)
Port Terminal Railroad Police Houston, TX

June 3, 2016

On June 3 1985, I started the acadamie at the Tdcj Ellis one unit. Officer Minnie Houston feed us our last meal of the day. As we layed down in our bunks we heard her screaming. We ran across the hall and found her lieing on the floor gasping for air. This was our first day. On the job. You will never be forgotten sister.May God be with you and your family.

Captain Sandy R. Johnson
Texas Department of corrections Jail Division

July 15, 2015

Today, Minnie was remembered in the Blue Courage course hosted by the Norte Dame College Police in South Euclid, Ohio. The officers present were told her story and todays reflection is to let the family know she was remembered by others in law enforcement.

Chief Jeffrey Scott
Notre Dame Poiice Department

July 8, 2015

Time may have passed but you are not forgotten. I believe as long as someone remembers you or speaks your name, you are still with us.
Thank you for your heroism.
GOD Bless

Detention Officer A.Zambito
Texas

June 3, 2015

I just attended the Blue Courage 2-day training seminar in Streestsboro, Ohio this week. As part of the exercises, we were assigned an officers name to research and discuss with the class our findings. My table had Minnie's name. Please know the entire class honored Minnie this week and her service. It was humbling to read her story and the events that day. May her memory continue be a light to others.

Chief Jeffrey Scott
Notre Dame College Police Department

October 23, 2014

I was in training class at the time. We had been at firing range the day before and ate lunch in the kitchen with Officer Houston. I was one of the color guard at the funeral. Trinity school and at the cemetery..

Georgia Bradberry, Co5
retired, 2004

June 3, 2014

Rest In Peace Officer Houston, you are remembered.

Sgt. Jarrod L. Wilson / K9 Officer
West Virginia Division Of Corrections

June 3, 2014

I worked with your sons at Eastham, and was your flower bearer in Trinity the day you were laid to rest Minnie. Blessings to you and your family!

Correctional Officer Albert Molless
TDC-Eastham '85-'87/ Currently CDCR

March 2, 2014

God bless you sister may you rest in peace prayers are sent for her loved ones

SGT. P. Moreau
N.Y.S. D.O.C.S

August 6, 2013

Heroes live forever, Officer Houston, and we will never forget. Thank you for the sacrifice you made for the citizens of the great State of Texas.

Greater Houston C.O.P.S.

June 3, 2013

Officer Houston,
My wife and I both work as detention officers for the same agency. We assigned to different shifts. My biggest fear as husband is that she will be hurt or not come home to me. My biggest fear as a supervisor is not walking out with every one of my troops at the end of our shift. I am fully aware of the dangers that come with our chosen profession. We have the hardest job in law enforcement. We will always be locked in, unarmed, and outnumbered yet we walk the beat anyway. You are true hero ma'am. Your brave and honorable service is greatly appreciated. I admire your courage and you have my deepest respect. Although we never met, I want you to know that I proud of you and will honor you always.You will always be in my family's prayers. Rest easy. Honore Semper.

Herb Fernandez
Detention Corporal
Midland County Sheriff's Office TX
Senior Honor Guard Member

June 3, 2013