Regina Horne Espree

Regina Horne Espree was born August 5, 1954. She was the oldest of four children born to the union of the late Josephine and Bobby Whitley. Native to Fort Monroe, Virginia, she attended North Carolina Central University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business with a concentration in Computer Science and a Master’s degree in Personnel Administration. Upon graduation, Regina joined the US Air Force as an officer and served until retirement with the rank of Major. While serving she married James Horne in October 1983, and to this union two daughters were born, Sheritta and Arleya.

After retirement Regina’s entrepreneurial spirits flourished. She owned many ventures to include Imani Inc, Here and Abroad Travel Agency, Regal 2 Boutique, and a Royal Ribs and Fish House Bar BQ Restaurant. After James’ death in 1995, Regina became actively involved with the Youth Ministry. She was the founding administrator for the Antioch Christian Academy and served in that capacity for five years. In addition to her service at the Christian Academy, she was instrumental in establishing the Antioch Library and the Rites of Passage Component of the Boys and Girls Development Program.

In May 1999, Regina married Larry Espree and her family grew to include her sons, Lawrence and Jonathan. Together they were proud owners of two UPS stores located in Olmos Park and Lackland Air Force Base.

Regina believed in higher learning. She held positions at St. Philip’s College, Northwest Vista College and culminated her career as an academic program coordinator at Northeast Lakeview College. At NLC, she oversaw Student Service Learning, Learning Communities, Honors, International Education and Phi Theta Kappa International Honors Society.  All programs provide students an opportunity to experience education outside of the classroom through community involvement, another area where she shines.

Regina was also very actively involved in her community through organizations such as Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Alpha Tau Omega Chapter; Jack and Jill of America;  Alamo Chamber of Commerce; San Antonio MLK Commission; charter member of Ruth Jones McClendon Section of National Council of Negro Women; board member of the Cherice Cochrane Foundation; San Antonio Ivy Educational Foundation, and co-founder of Sista’s Book Club.

Regina was a visionary leader who sought out opportunities to share her time, talents, and resources with others. One organization that she held close to her heart is the NAACP. For over ten years Regina served as the San Antonio NAACP Youth Council Advisor.  In this role she encouraged and inspired teens not only to plan for their future, but to pull forward and reach back as they excel and break past barriers. In admiration of her service, Regina has received the Clara Luper Texas NAACP Youth Council Advisor of the year award.

Under her leadership several members of the youth council served in various positions at the state, regional, and national level! The youth council also received the Texas State NAACP Youth Council of the Year Award.

Regina is preceded in death by her parents, first husband James Horne and her sister Barbara. She leaves to cherish her memory, husband, Larry Espree, daughters, Dr.Sheritta and Arleya Horne, bonus sons Lawrence, Jonathan and JRyan Espree, sister Dr.Debra Clayton (Greg), brother Orlando Whitley.  Grandchildren Lawrence Jr., Angelo, Diane, Jaden, and Jordan Espree, and Olivia (aka Princess) Horne.