Jean Fennell Houston

Annie Jean Fennell Houston, age 98, passed away on March 17, 2026, at the home of her daughter in Savannah, Georgia. Born on March 23, 1927, in Easley, South Carolina, to George T. Fennell and Mamie Frances Ragsdale Fennell, she graduated from Easley High School and earned a secretarial business degree in Greenville. She was a resident of Hanahan, South Carolina since 1977.

A devoted and loving wife and mother who raised three daughters. Jean was a talented artist, notably winning the Best in Show honor at the Goose Creek Art Show. She was a member of the Charleston Historical Society and at one time conducted tours of historic homes in Charleston. Jean also served as the costume designer and made the costumes for the Little Theater productions in Savannah, Georgia.

She was a current member of Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church in Hanahan, where she was a devoted choir member and dearly loved singing. She was also a former member of Sunrise Presbyterian Church on Sullivan's Island. Her active life included the Alee Shrine Temple in Savannah, Georgia; Berkeley Garden Club in Hanahan; the Omar Shrine Temple in Charleston; the Charleston Artist Guild; the Goose Creek Artist Guild; the Ladies Rifle Range Club; and the Ladies Elks Lodge.

She is preceded in death by her husband, Colonel Wendell M. Houston; her grandchild, Rachel Ann Ledford; and her sisters, Earline Jones and Hazel Herbert.

She is survived by her daughters, Dr. Linda Susan Houston, Martha Ann Houston Rice, and Melissa F. Houston Weatherford (Robert); her grandson, Dr. Taylor Martin Houston (Courtney); and two great-grandchildren, Dean Martin Houston and Billie Jo Houston.

A viewing will be held on Monday, March 23, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. at Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church, 5931 Murray Dr, Hanahan, SC 29410, with the funeral service to follow at 2:00 p.m. A reception will be held at the church during the viewing.

Following the service, she will be laid to rest at Carolina Memorial Gardens, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406.

Flowers may be sent to Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church in Hanahan, South Carolina.

Arrangements entrusted to Carolina Memorial Funeral Home, 7113 Rivers Avenue, North Charleston, SC 29406.