Trina Killian Cameron, 80, passed away peacefully after a brief and unexpected illness on January 14, 2026, in Houston, Texas. Her life was one marked by music, faith, resilience, and a deep devotion to family and friends who were, in every sense, her greatest joy.

Trina was born on January 30, 1945, in Gadsden, Alabama, to Juanice and Paul Killian Jr. As a child, she was often cared for by her grandmothers while her parents worked, relationships that left a lasting imprint on her heart. She shared an especially close bond with her paternal grandmother, affectionately known simply as “Killian,” whose influence and love remained with her throughout her life. Trina’s cousin Pat Miller was like a brother to her, and together they filled their childhood with laughter, adventure, and the kind of harmless trouble that comes from running freely through the neighborhood—memories she fondly recalled throughout her life.

From an early age, Trina’s love for music influenced by her grandmothers and mother became evident. She carried that passion to Samford University, where she earned a Bachelor of Music Education degree in 1967. While there, she met Pete Haswell, whom she married, and together they welcomed two daughters, Ginger and Paige, before making Houston, specifically the Clear Lake area, their home.

Trina’s professional life reflected her versatility and strong work ethic. Over the years, she served as a schoolteacher, church pianist, piano instructor, realtor, and real estate broker. She ultimately found her career calling in the title industry, spending most of her nearly 50-year real estate career as a marketing representative with First American Title and then Stewart Title, where she trained extensively and became a licensed escrow officer. Even after her “retirement” in 2019, Trina continued working part-time, maintaining close friendships with many colleagues who admired her knowledge, warmth, and unwavering professionalism.

She was a devoted member of University Baptist Church, where she was an active member for more than 40 years. Her faith was steady and sincere, expressed not to seek attention but instead through service, music, and lifelong relationships.

In 1986, Trina married her late husband John Cameron, whom she adored and whose time together she cherished. They were actively involved members of Lakewood Yacht Club, and even after his passing, it remained a second home for her where lifelong friendships were made. Aside from racing sailboats and volunteering for and attending social events, she was passionately dedicated to the Harvest Moon Regatta, the iconic annual sailboat race from Galveston to Port Aransas co-founded by John in 1987. In 2024, in recognition of her life of service, Trina was awarded by the Governor of Texas the honorary designation of Admiral in the Texas Navy—an honor she was deeply proud of.

Above all else, Trina treasured her family. She spent memorable time together with her daughters and their families on holidays and enjoyed watching her grandchildren play baseball and football, sing, act, and dance on stage and on the field, and perform in the band. She is survived by her daughters, Ginger (Jamey) Newberg and Paige (Allen) Gress; her step-children, Carrie Cameron Asakura and David Cameron; her grandchildren, Erica Newberg, Max Newberg, Jarin Duppstadt, Anthony (Allison) Gress, Mitchell Gress, and Phillip (Karolin) Gress; and her great-grandchildren, Braiden Gress and Presley Gress. She is also survived by her beloved cousins, Pat (Nadda) Miller, Steve (Myra) Reagan, and Kristy (Mark) Mason, along with many extended family members and friends who were also family to her in every way that mattered.

Trina’s life was marked by steadfast friendships, laughter, and quiet acts of kindness. Whether boating, playing piano, being with and supporting loved ones, or simply enjoying time by the water, she lived with grace and intention. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who were blessed to know her.

A celebration of Trina’s life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 22, 2026, at University Baptist Church, 16106 Middlebrook Drive, Houston, Texas 77059.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in her honor to Blood Cancer United (bloodcancerunited.org, formerly the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society).