Marie Gregory Houston, 89, of Statesville, N.C., born on March 15, 1936, in Alexander County, N.C., passed away peacefully on April 11, 2025, at the Gordon Hospice House following a lengthy illness.

Marie dedicated her life to caring for children, working as a caregiver at American Child, where her love for children shone brightly. Her spirit extended beyond her professional life, as she was a proud founding member of Mountain Road Baptist Church, where she also contributed her time in the nursery, impacting the lives of many families in her community.

A graduate of Celeste Henkel School, Marie had an array of interests that enriched her life. She found joy in flower and vegetable gardening, where she could connect with nature and share the fruits of her labor. Her talents extended into sewing, making clothing and quilts that embodied her creativity and attention to detail. Marie also enjoyed painting yard gnomes, bringing whimsy and charm to her garden. Additionally, she had a deep appreciation for Southern gospel and bluegrass music, which often filled her home with harmony and grace.

Marie is survived by her two sons, Gary Lane Houston (Rocel) and Jeffrey Houston; her daughter, Kimberly Jones (Tommy); nine grandchildren, Gregory Houston, Laura Powers (Troy), Andrew Jones (Ashlee), Isabella Houston, Weslyn Houston, Kerri Eldridge (Greg), Austin Houston, Brandy Baker (Billy), and Sherry Hollingsworth (Billy); and 15 great-grandchildren, BrayLee, Laiklyn, Reese, Jameson, Trent, Kaleb, Miles, Elan, Bryton, Brenlyn, Bristyl, Rachel, Makenzie, Chase, and Liam, all of whom will remember her loving spirit and the warmth she brought to their lives. She is also survived by her sister, Wanda Potts.

Marie was preceded in death by her father, Arthur Glen Gregory; her mother, Della Mae Goble Gregory; her husband, James Ralph Houston; her son, Keith Douglas Houston; and her siblings, Jean Parker, Betty Lippard, Shirley Shaver, Margaret Ashley, Glen Gregory, Bill Gregory, Jimmy Gregory, and Espy Gregory.

A visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, from 11 until 11:45 a.m., followed by a funeral service at 12 noon at Mountain Road Baptist Church, located at 132 Compton Park Road, Statesville, NC 28677. Burial will follow at Iredell Memorial Gardens.

Marie’s legacy of love and kindness will be remembered by all who knew her, and she will be deeply missed.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.