Mr. Octave Vital Jr.

Octave Vital Jr. passed away peacefully on March 8, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Born on August 30, 1939, in New Iberia, Louisiana, alongside his twin who passed shortly after birth, he was the son of the late Loretta and Octave Vital Sr. One of thirteen children that included three sets of twins, he moved with his family to Houston’s Fifth Ward at the age of six. He attended Atherton Elementary School, E. O. Smith Junior High, and graduated from Kashmere High School, where he excelled as a football and basketball player.

After attending Prairie View A&M College for three years, Octave enlisted in the Army to help support his mother financially. Following his service, he returned to Prairie View A&M, earning a bachelor’s degree in kinesiology and a master’s degree in education. He dedicated 35 years to the Houston Independent School District, serving as a teacher and coach at Scarborough High School, Attucks Middle School, and Gregory Lincoln Education Center. His football, basketball, and track teams won numerous trophies. A kindhearted and generous man, Octave believed deeply in encouraging his students and athletes to work hard, do their best, and believe in themselves. He left a lasting impact on countless young lives.

Octave met the love of his life, Addie, while they were in the tenth grade at Kashmere High School. Known to many as “Tivo and Addie” for their inseparable bond, they continued their relationship through college and married in 1962. He was a loving and devoted husband for 68 years. A devout Christian, he was raised in Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church in New Iberia and later joined Brentwood Baptist Church in 1970, where he was baptized. He served as a deacon, sang in the choir and male chorus, taught Sunday school, and remained active in the church until his health declined.

Above all, Octave cherished time with his family. He made annual road trips a beloved tradition, creating memories filled with laughter, adventure, singing, and togetherness for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. He loved sports, attending his children’s, grandchildren’s, and great-grandchildren’s events, playing cards, listening to music, and singing to his wife. He took great pride in his Louisiana roots, often returning to New Iberia to enjoy Creole food and zydeco music.

He is survived by his loving wife, Addie; their three daughters, Jacelyn Vital-McPherson (Scott), Tiffany White (Jamail), and Octavia Vital (Glen); grandchildren Scott McPherson (Joquetta), Marcus McPherson (Deionishia), Demarcus Sherman (Jasmine), Ashliegh Fobbs (Talia), Danielle Lathon-Sherman (Morgan), Omar Sherman III (Jediah), Kaitlyn Broussard, and Jordan Vital-Caldwell; great-grandchildren Ryan McPherson, Landen McPherson, Roc McPherson, Skylar Sherman, and Bryce Sherman; two sisters, Leanna Vital Chambers and Harriett Vital; and a host of nieces and nephews.