Linsey Lawrence Horton

As we retrace the footprints of Linsey, we can only give thanks for the many lives he touched and enriched along life’s journey. A meek and humble man, he was blessed to enjoy many of God’s blessings as a son, a father, and a brother. God hath made everything beautiful in His time. On September 14, 1949, He brought forth one of His most handsome and valuable creations, the oldest of eight children born to Roger and Della Payne Horton in Okolona, Arkansas. As a young child Linsey was made aware of life in the south - southern cooking, going to church, fearing the Lord and respecting adults. In search of a better life for their family, Roger and Della relocated to Flint, Michigan. It was there where Linsey confessed his faith in Christ and was a member of Canaan Baptist Church. Linsey’s interest on music surfaced at a very early age. He began playing various musical instruments and received his vocal aptitude in school, out of school, at home, anywhere, and anytime. He attended and graduated from Flint Northwestern High School. In between the singing and playing, Linsey married; the Lord blessed their union with Channelle, Michael and Sharron. Linsey was a member of the Interpretations, and in 1972 they recorded the songs “Tennessee Ross” and “Sing A Simple Song” which were instant hits and got air play on the local radio station. His love of music, willingness to serve and quest for excellence caused him to share his musical talents with numerous bands. He and some of his friends later formed the infamous J.C.C.L.B Movement which was known throughout the state of Michigan. Linsey was a dedicated employee of Main Steel Company in Atlanta, Georgia where he worked as a supervisor. He retired and moved back to Okolona where he regularly attended First Baptist Church. He captivated his last audience on Sunday, March 22, 2009, when he sang “Touch The Hem of His Garment” at the installation services for Rev. & Sis. Larry Mitchell. On Tuesday, April 21, 2009, during the 59th season of his life, Linsey answered the call that no man can refuse and now sings in the Celestial Choir beyond the sky. He was welcomed home by his father, Roger Horton, who passed into eternity on December 19, 2007. He leaves to celebrate his life and voice: three children, Channelle Thomas of Flint, MI, Michael Horton of Grand Rapids, MI, and Sharron Erwing of Saginaw, MI; his beloved mother, Della Horton of Okolona, AR; two grandchildren, Kourtnie J. Garrett and Jimmie J. Garrett; his siblings, Michael (Connie) Horton of Okolona, Ella (Charley) McClendon of Flint, MI, Vicky (Keith) Green of Okolona, Rhonda Collin of Okolona, Myra Horton of Memphis, TN, Eric Horton of Flint, MI, Tracy Horton of Okolona, Guy Horton of Okolona, and Cory (Kimberly) Horton of Phoenix, AZ; three aunts, Earnestine Washington, Dorothy Blake and Shirley Davis; two uncles, Johnny (Samella) Payne, and Clarence (Emma Jean) Payne, and a caravan of nieces, nephews, cousins as well as numerous friends. Linsey L. Horton will lie in state at Williams Funeral Home on Friday, May 1, 2009, from 12:00 noon until 6:00 p.m. The family will greet friends and share with them the Images of Live DVD from 6:00 until 7:00 p.m. A service honoring the life and voice of Linsey will be shared at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 2, 2009, in the sanctuary of First Baptist Church in Okolona, Arkansas where Rev. Larry Mitchell is the pastor. Rev. Eddie Brown will deliver the celebration message. The committal service & earthly resting place will be in First Baptist Cemetery adjacent to the church. Bearers of the casket will be Guy Horton, Kerry Jones, Nathan Jones, Charles Jones, Paul Jones and Charlie Smith. Honorary bearers will be the nephews of Linsey.