Peggy Jo Houston

Mrs. Houston was born October 17, 1937, the daughter of Paul and Angie Holloway. She grew-up in Bemis and graduated from Bemis High School in 1955. She and Donald were married on Christmas Day in 1954. The newlyweds settled in Pinson, TN and lived there until 1965 when Donald’s career with the railroad led them to homes in Murphysboro, Hazel Crest and Beecher, IL. He retired in 1998 and they returned to Jackson, TN in 1999.

Peggy was a woman of strong faith and loved the Lord. She devoted herself throughout her life to her husband and children, her family, her church, and friends. She loved life, laughter and conversation. She maintained a sense of fun and adventure her entire life; marking her 40th birthday by riding her son’s skateboard. Peggy enjoyed travel, sewing, cooking, fashion, decorating her home and gardening. She loved flowers and they thrived under her care. Her yard was always a highlight of the neighborhood. In the garden that was her life she planted love, kindness and compassion wherever she went. Using those tools and skills her family, friends, and often passing acquaintances thrived under her generous personality and loving care. Children always seemed to identify her as a safe haven where they could rest or play. She was a beautiful person, inside and out.

She is survived by her husband, Albert Donald Houston; their daughter Rhonda Houston Copeland of Dublin, OH; their son Donald Stacy Houston and his wife Robyn of Channahon, IL; and two grandsons, Joshua Donald and Sean Andrew, of Channahon, IL. She is also survived by her brother, Robert Holloway his wife Nanette and their family, to whom she was devoted, and by a large extended family and friends who mourn her passing.

Peggy was predeceased by her parents, Paul and Angie Holloway and by her son-in-law, John Copeland.

Peggy and her family wish to acknowledge and thank her wonderful caregivers at Extendicare and Hospice of West Tennessee. Their care and kindness were such a blessing during a difficult time.

Pallbearers are Earl Brewer, Tom Brown, Dell Fulton, James Ellington, H.W. Maness, Jr., and Freddie Pruitt. Honorary Pallbearers: Jerry Ellis, Hal Freeman, Carroll Gilliland, Joe Hunt, Pepper Martin and Kenneth Short.

The family will receive friends from 10 to noon, on January 6th at George A Smith South Chapel. A celebration of her life will be led by Dr. Joe Thornton and Rev. Jimmy Dyer immediately following visitation. Burial will be at Lester’s Chapel Cemetery. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the Lester’s Chapel or Pinson Methodist Church or the Lester’s Chapel Cemetery Fund.

Published in The Jackson Sun on Sunday, January 5, 2014