Horton never knew her biological parents throughout her life, and lived with several foster families after being put up for adoption at nine months old.

In 1960, Horton formed a group with her former highschool glee club members Georgeanna Tillman, Katherine Anderson and Juanita Cowart.

The group changed their name to the Marvelettes shortly after Motown signed the act, and Dobbins was replaced by Wanda Young.

Horton left the group in 1967 to get married and was replaced by Ann Bogan, shortly after giving birth to her son, Sammie, who was born with cerebral palsy.

[4] Horton died on January 26, 2011, in a nursing home in Sherman Oaks, following several strokes and years of declining health.