Margaret "Mardee" Houser Carlen

"Mardee" was born in Birmingham, AL to Duncan and Margaret Houser and spent her childhood there. She attended Crestline Heights Elementary School, Shades Valley High School, and the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa and became a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

In 1979, while living in Atlanta, Georgia, she met and married William (Billy) Benton Carlen, Jr. and moved to his hometown of Cookeville, TN. There she enjoyed many friendships, playing tennis with a special group of friends, and winning her Club's Golf Championship. She was a member of The Book Lovers Club, Cookeville House and Garden Club, DAR, and the Iris Chapter of the Embroiderers' Guild of America. Her master needlework led to her presidency of the American Needlepoint Guild. The past several years, Mardee lived in Birmingham and was a member of Muses Dance Club, Valley Off shoots Garden Club, and Perky Planters Garden Club.

Mardee is predeceased by her late husband, William Benton Carlen, Jr.. She is survived by her step-son, William (Chip) Carlen, III, (Linda) and step-grandson, William (Ben) Benton Carlen IV of Cookeville, TN; step-daughter Laura Catherine (Cathy) Carlen Johnson (Roger) of Van Neys, CA and their daughter Carlen Johnson; Cousins, Betsy Williams of Savannah, GA and Pam Howard of Fairhope, AL.

Mardee had many devoted friends and her friendly outgoing personality and happy smile will be missed by all.

Visitation will be Saturday, July 17, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am with a service to follow at Ridout's Valley Chapel. Burial to follow at Elmwood Cemetery.