Ellen Joan Houston

Visitation will be Sunday, February 9, 2014, from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Cason Monk-Metcalf, 5400 North Street, Nacogdoches. A funeral service will be held Monday, February 10, 2014 at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 1320 North Mound Street with the Reverend Howard Castleberry, officiating and Homilist, Reverend Wanda Cuniff. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be Damian Moreno, David Moreno, Steve Adams, Mack Wheele, Troy Cuniff, and Tom Lostracco

Mrs. Houston was born in Indianapolis, Indiana on February 26, 1932, to Helen and James Norton. She attended high school at Arsenal Technical High School where she was secretary of her class. After high school graduation in 1950, she attended Indiana University graduating in 1956 earning a Bachelor of Science degree.She was very active in college activities and served as president of Zeta Tau Alpha. She was a life time member of her college sorority.

Joan moved to Dallas where she was employed at a prestigious department store working as a buyer for the candy department. An appropriate position as she always had a fondness for sweet things. It was in Dallas where she met Dr. Neal Houston. They were married in Dallas on November 10, 1956. They later settled in Nacogdoches. They were married for 53 years until his death in 2009.

Joan was a professional weaver and sold her clothing in many boutiques throughout the country. She had a special weaving studio for housing her vast array of yarns which she would weave into beautiful fabrics. She not only wove the yarn but she also sewed the fabric into dresses, vests and many other items. Her use of color was exceptional. Those who bought her creations are left with a permanent legacy of beauty and creativity.

Joan was very active in community affairs as she was a vigorous supporter of building a new library and served on the library board. She worked in the office at Austin Heights Baptist Church and served as secretary of the United Way for sixteen years. Mrs. Houston was an active participant in The Flora Garden Club, Nacogdoches Newcomer’s and Friends and the Handweaver’s Guild of America. Joan loved flowers particularly tulips. She never gave up hope that she would once again work in her flower garden.

She is preceded in death by parents, Helen and “Doc” Norton; husband, Dr. Neal Bryan Houston; son, Alan Kyle Houston; and daughter, Sharon Lee Houston.

Joan is survived by cousins, Jeanette and husband Dave Shelton; Alice and husband Doyal Bell all of Crawfordsville, Indiana. In addition to special friends, Frances Lostracco and Patricia Fitch many are left to celebrate Joan‘s life.

Extreme gratitude is expressed to Caregivers; Dee Dee King, Karen Hayne, Molly Hall, Mollie Hill, Nita Bowers, Angela Moreno and Alma Covarrubias. They made Joan’s life better with their care and love.

Joan was a true friend, faithful to her church and a lovely lady both inside and out. She showed great strength as she withstood many trials throughout her life. She will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: Christ Episcopal Church, 502 East Starr Avenue, Nacogdoches, Tx, 75961; SFA School of Art, P.O Box 13001, Nacogdoches, Tx, 75962; Judy B. McDonald Library, Mercedes Franks, 112 North Street, Nacogdoches, Tx, 75961;

or a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be offered to www.casonmonk-metcalf.com Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-