Shirley Carolyn Dickinson Houston

Shirley Carolyn Dickinson Houston, a deeply loved mother, grandmother and friend passed away peacefully on November 2nd, at the age of 90. Shirley was a lifelong resident of Catawba County, born on November 13, 1935 to the late Louise Ward Stine and Henry Dickinson.

Shirley spent her early years in the Brookford/Mt. View area of Hickory. Raised by her mother and grandparents, alongside aunts, uncles and cousins. She understood the importance of family and learned the value of hard work. Whether helping her grandmaw around the house or her grandpaw in the fields. She attended Mt. View School and was part of the first graduating class of Fred T Foard High School.

Shirley married and cared for her children before eventually working outside the home. Shirley worked at Hardee’s in Viewmont for 25 years, as breakfast manager. You could find her weekday mornings warmly greeting regular customers who knew her as the biscuit lady. When not working, Shirley enjoyed time with family, friends and serving her church. She had a deep faith and enjoyed teaching children’s Sunday School, Bible School, chaperoning youth trips and helping in the nursery.

Shirley was known for her resilience, her caring heart, and the deep love she showed to everyone around her. She faced life with quiet strength, always ready to lend a hand or offer comfort to those who needed it. Shirley found joy in the simple things, especially baking. Her kitchen was often filled with the warm smell of something fresh from the oven, a reflection of the love she poured into caring for her family and friends. Those who knew her remember her as someone who made people feel welcome and cherished, whether through a kind word or a homemade treat. Shirley’s loving spirit and caring nature touched everyone who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed and fondly remembered by all whose lives she touched.

She was preceded in death by her beloved grandparents Tilden and Mary Elizabeth Ward, mother Louise and Stepfather Roy Lester Stine, brother Larry Tilden Honeycutt, daughter Deborah Lynn Wilson, first husband Guy Lawrence Wilson (1960) and husband of 32 years Kenneth Nolan Houston (1994).

She is survived by daughters Dawn (Corey) Clark, Tammy (Chuck) Bramley, son Terry (Revonda) Wilson, granddaughters McKenley Houston, Amanda (Reed) Bumgarner, grandson Austin (Kylie) Wilson and three great-grandchildren Nova Clark, Kindle Bumgarner and Knox Bumgarner.

A visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 at Hickory Funeral Home from 1:00-2:00pm.

The funeral service will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026 in the Chapel of Hickory Funeral Home at 2:00pm. Family friend Mark Childers will be officiating the services. The family asks that you wear blue, as that was Shirley’s favorite color. A private burial will follow at Woodlawn Memorial Gardens, Hickory, NC.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Carolina Caring 3975 Robinson Rd, Newton, NC 28658

Condolences may be left at www.hickoryfh.com

The Houston family is under the care of Hickory Funeral Home