Everlena Houpe

Longtime Riverhead resident Everlena Houpe died April 4 at the age of 71.

She was born July 8, 1939, in Aurora, N.C., to Napoleon and Winifred Clinton, the only girl of nine children.

She met Harvey Houpe in 1954 and they were married in 1955. According to family members, she enjoyed cooking, raising her children and spending time with her family and children from the community. She loved to go strawberry-picking with her friends and being called “Kool,” they said.

Predeceased by her husband in 1964, Ms. Houpe is survived by her children Jeffrey, Janice and Gloria, all of Riverhead; Hilda Parrish of Southold; and Harvey, of Center Moriches; 17 grandchildren; 24 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her brothers, Maceo Clinton of LaGrange, N.C., and Alonzo, Joe, Johnny, Hurley and James Clinton, all of Riverhead. She was also predeceased by her son the Rev. Major Morning, and her brothers Willie and David Clinton.

Visiting hours and a service were held April 11 at Galilee Church of God in Christ, Riverhead, officiated by Pastor Dr. Roy Pennon Sr. and assistant pastor Dr. Byron Preston. Interment was at Riverhead Cemetery. Arrangements were in the care of Seay Memorial Chapel, Riverhead.