Houston 's father died of stomach cancer in 1951 when Houston was 18 .
In 1938 , five - year - old Cissy 's mother Delia suffered a stroke and died of cerebral hemorrhage three years later .
Cissy 's father died of stomach cancer in 1951 when Cissy was 18 .
In 1938 , five - year - old Cissy 's mother Delia suffered a stroke and died of cerebral hemorrhage three years later .