Major Abram, who is affectionately called “Coach Abe” by his former students and friends, was born to loving Christian parents, Major, Sr. and Irene Lester Abram on October 30, 1932, in Washington, Texas. He is the youngest of three siblings; sister Gladys Abram Yancy and brother Willie Abram (deceased). His parents moved the family to Houston, Texas in 1934. in search of better opportunities for themselves and their children.
Abe began his quest for education at Burris Elementary and Junior High School in the Stuedewood section of the city, now known as Independence Heights. He graduated from Booker T. Washington Senior High School in 1950.
As an athlete, Abe’s passion was track. This passion began at the YMCA where he ran after school and during the summers. He was fast and he knew that he had the ability to run fast. Because track was not a priority at Booker T. Washington School, he did not run for the school, but his talents were recognized by others, and that recognition earned him a four-year scholarship at Texas Southern University. Little did Abe know that the passion for track would pay his college tuition.
Abe was a member of the Texas Southern University track team from 1950-1954. Abe ran the half-mile, quarter-mile, the first leg, and sometimes anchored the mile relay team. Abe’s prowess on the track field helped the TSU track team win the Midwestern Athletic Association championship in the 1953-1954 track season.
Abe graduated from Texas Southern University in May 1954, serving his country in Japan from 1954-1956. Because of his outstanding athletic ability in track and field, he became as “Fleet-Footed” Major Abram. He ran track for the Division Artillery Track Team, winning numerous awards and championships.
Abe began his professional journey in HISD in 1957. From 1957-1966, Abe taught Drivers Education, Biology, and General Science, as well as assistant coach for the junior high football and basketball team at Kashmere Gardens Senior High School (Old Kashmere). From 1966-1967, Abe worked at I.M. Terrell Junior High School as assistant football coach and head basketball coach.
From 1968-1994, he worked at Kashmere Senior High School as an assistant football and basketball coach, head coach of baseball, head coach of golf, and health instructor. He rendered 37 years of dedicated and excellent service as an educator, coach, and mentor to many students in the Houston Independent School district. Abe retired May 31, 1994.
Abe’s professional affiliations include Texas State Teachers Association, National Retirement Teachers, Association, North Texas Limousine Association, Booker T. Washington Alumni Association of Houston, Texas (lifetime member). Abe’s career highlight include being honored by HISD Houston Coaches Association Hall of Honor 2003-2004, honored for years of untiring service, devotion and dedication to young men and women of Texas Houston Coaches Association and the Kashmere Sr. High School Booster Club 1956-1994 for outstanding leadership and dedication.
Abe is a member of the Fifth Ward Missionary Baptist Church where Rev. Leonard N. Barksdale is the Pastor. Abe is married to Rosa Pearl Bailey Abram, He is the proud father of two sons, Kevin and Keith Abram and blended family, Kimberly Ross Eaton, Valencia Ross Parish, Adolphus Ross II and D’Vonna Ross Reese. He has six granddaughters, six grandsons, and three great-granddaughters.
Major Abram is now enjoying the fruits of his retirement, leisurely spending two-three days a week in Washington, Texas as a part-time rancher and cattleman.