Deana B Houston

Mom ( Deana ) Houston, mother to so many across the years passed into the next chapter of her existence peacefully Wednesday September 28th 2011 surrounded by loving family at her home in Mt. Juliet Tennessee. Deana Bradshaw came from humble beginnings, born in Atoka OK and growing up in southeast Houston in the 50’s she was a teenage roller-skating beauty queen when she met Jim Houston, of Houston, through a purposeful introduction from Deana’s mother, Margaret Bradshaw Ament. Jim was a most eligible, collegiate and charming prospect and courted Deana diligently, endearing himself to Deana’s younger sisters, Andra and Karen, usually with quarters to purchase private time with Deana. Jim’s love and hard work paid off and they married in 1959 and while living in Austin Deana gave birth to their first son Jim.

While moving several times for Jim’s work it was during a brief apartment stay near Summerville, New Jersey that Deana gave birth to their second son Robb in the summer of 1962. The family travels would include more moves, new homes, new schools and friends and it was during this time Deana, or as she became known as “Mom Houston”, began to appreciate how fortunate the Houston family had become with all their love and security, a blessing derived from both Deana and Jim’s hard work and commitment to their family. Soon there would be what would become an extended family of sons and daughters to be loved and cherish by Mom and Dad Houston, acquired through relationships with so many friends it’s hard to count – numerous young people, each was loved, unique and special to Mom. It was during a return to New Jersey, and while finishing her degree in Art in Baton Rouge, and in Houston that she embraced so many and touched their lives.

Deana liked helping people and she also enjoyed feeding them – always healthy foods of course; rocky road cookies, coconut cake, Chinese date bars and her famously delicious BBQ brisket, which she prepared with great care. Bliss for Mom was her home brimming with love, family and friends, and preparing twice as much food as needed so that no guest would go home hungry or empty handed.

An accomplished artist, Deana’s creations were beautiful and inspiring. She has the gift to see so much more than other people in ordinary places and things and wonder what could be. That same inspiration she applies to the people in her life. Her art is a reflection of her brilliance and unconditional love of those that she embraced. Her compassion for and understanding of people are the colors on her artist pallet, her many loved ones her canvasses.

Deana and Jim relocated to Mt. Juliet,TN in 2003 to be near Robb and his wife Spring and as the years and good times came and went Deana’s circle of love grew even more.

Deana lost her battle with cancer. She fought courageously as long as her earthly body would allow. Mom Houston, loving wife, mother, sister, grandmother and great-grandmother will be missed but never forgotten. Her life, her hope, her ability to see beauty all around where others could not, dwells within us now. It is an example of living your ideals and putting them to action.

HOUSTON, Deana B.Age 71, passed away peacefully on September 28, 2011 at her home in Mount Juliet, TN. Deana was a loving mother to many and an artist. She is survived by her husband of over 52 years, Jim Houston; sons, Jim Houston (Beth) and Robb Houston (Spring); grandchildren, Kristen and Branden Houston; great-granddaughter, Chloe Houston. A Memorial Service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 1, 2011 at the Hermitage Funeral Home, with Khette Cox officiating. Visitation with the family will be held 1 hour prior to the service. Condolences may be sent to hermitagefh.com. HERMITAGE FUNERAL HOME & MEMORIAL GARDENS, 535 Shute Lane, Old Hickory, TN 37138; (615) 889-0361.