Mari Emily Houston who was born in 1945 and raised in Perry, GA died Sunday, December 20, 2009. She was a devoted wife, mother and grandmother. She attended Georgia Baptist Nursing School and graduated first in her class from Crawford W. Long Nursing School. Mari was a breast cancer survivor and a giving person who will be fondly remembered by her family and friends. She bred and raised champion Rhodesian Ridgeback Hounds and was the former Show Chair of the Lawrenceville Kennel Club. She also was active in pet therapy taking her dogs to local nursing homes for the residents to enjoy. She is survived by her husband, Billy Mitchell Houston, Sr. of Decatur; sons and daughters-in-law, Alex and Susan Harrod of Dacula and Billy Mitchell, Jr. and Becky Houston of Suwanee; sister and brother-in-law, Wallis and Robert Rehberg of Leesburg, GA; and grandchildren, Chase and Conner Harrod. A memorial service will be held at 3:00 PM Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at the chapel of A. S. Turner & Sons. Those desiring may send contributions to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Friends may call at the residence following the service. The family will receive friends from 2 to 3 PM Wednesday at A. S. Turner & Sons.
