Evan Edward Worthing was born in Day De Naquette Township, Delta County, Michigan on May 13, 1882.  His parents, James and Grace (Honeyfield) Worthing, came to this country shortly after marriage, April 14, 1879, from their native country Glasbury, Brenconshire, England. Mr. Worthing had two siblings, William Honeyfield Worthing and Grace Honeyfield Worthing.  He never married. Mr. Worthing is buried in Glenwood Cemetery, Houston, Harris County.

After completing Primary schooling in Michigan, he entered Texas A & M College in 1899.  He played on the first football team to defeat the University of Texas.  He received a degree in Engineering in 1903, and in the same year he was employed by the Southern Pacific Railroad Company where he perfected the company’s signal system.  In October, 1922, he entered the real estate business.

The Houston newspaper reported “Mr. Evan E. Worthing rented and sold houses to the ‘Negroes’ of Houston in the Sunnyside area, which made him a goldmine.  He decided to leave his gold mine to whence it had come.  Negro high school graduates of Houston Public schools became the sole heirs of his estate.  Attorney Emory T. Carl, Chairman – Trustee Board – stated at the time he was drawing up the Worthing will; he and Mr. Worthing studied and studied how to develop the best possible medium of helping to improve Society through better education of Negro girls and boys.”

Mr. Worthing added the stipulations to the will to require students to show native ability, good moral character and activity in church work to be eligible for the scholarships.

Worthing Junior-Senior High School was built in 1958, and it opened on January 27, 1958. The students zoned to Worthing previously attended Miller Junior High School and Yates High School where they had to be bussed. The school originally covered grades 7 through 12. Worthing was originally located at 4330 Bellfort Boulevard; as the first building became overcrowded, HISD opened the new high school campus. Worthing moved to 9215 Scott Street at Reed Road, and Attucks Middle School opened at the former location.As we celebrate the 1st EE Worthing Legends Event/Fundraiser, the EE Worthing Sr. High Alumni Association extends a great ‘Debt of Gratitude’ from all who have graced the halls of our school!