Mrs. Beverly Pickler Houston, 89, died peacefully at home surrounded by her family on December 7, 2023. Beverly was born on April 19, 1934, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, where her father was pastor of Red Bank Baptist Church.

Beverly grew up in Chattanooga, and then her family moved to Memphis, Tennessee, in 1943, when she was nine. She graduated from South Side High School in Memphis. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Education from Union University in Jackson, Tennessee. She enjoyed her time at Union where she made life-long friends and during her senior year, served as president of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha. Beverly received her Master of Education degree in 1973 from Mississippi State University.

Beverly’s father officiated her marriage to Douglas Wayne Houston on June 29, 1957. Wayne and Beverly were married 64 years before his passing in 2022. The two made Starkville their home for all their married life. She enjoyed going to all kinds of Mississippi State athletic events. They also enjoyed attending Starkville Community Theater productions.

Mrs. Houston taught in both public and private schools in Starkville. She also enjoyed being at home with her children when they were young. She retired as a secretary from First Baptist Church Creative Learning Center.

Beverly’s father led her to give her life to Jesus Christ when she was only nine. She was a member of First Baptist Church, Starkville, for over sixty years, where she served in many capacities, including membership in the choir, service in Children’s Sunday School, membership in the Houston Mission Group, and serving on various committees. Beverly also was a member of the Joy Sunday School Class. She served in the community as part of the Oktibbeha County Hospital Auxiliary.

Beverly was preceded in death by her parents, Rev. Connie M. Pickler and Audrey Jones Pickler; her husband, Douglas Wayne Houston; and her sister, Nelda McCune.

Beverly is survived by her sons, Doug Houston (Jan) and Russ Houston (Suzy), daughter, Janet Beall (Darin), all of Starkville, Mississippi; grandchildren, Rebekah Overstreet (Jeff), John Houston (Meagan), Josiah Maughan, Nathanael Houston, Michael Houston (Lauren), David Houston (Victoria), Joseph Houston (Sofi), and Emily Beall. She also leaves behind five great-grandchildren.

Services for Mrs. Houston will be Sunday, December 10, 2023, at Welch Funeral Home, Starkville, Mississippi. Visitation will be at 1:00 P.M. and the funeral service will be at 2:00 P.M. Burial will follow at Memorial Garden Park Cemetery.

The family requests memorials be made to either the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering or the Children’s Building Fund at First Baptist Church, Starkville.

The family would like to thank Mildred, Ethel, Elizabeth, and Jean, and Legacy Hospice who provided loving care for Beverly.