Margaret Houghton

MARGARET ELIZABETH GARRETT HOUGHTON left this world on Oct. 26, 2022, at the beautiful age of 102. She was born Oct. 1, 1920, in Altheimer, Ark., youngest of three children of Stephen Ivy Garrett and Margaret Craig Garrett. A centenarian, she was the last of a generation who dined with fine linens and fine china. She believed in Sunday afternoon coffee with friends and family where hot beverages were served in tiny demitasse cups, stirred gently with Apostle spoons she had procured during a visit to London. Freshly baked cookies were served on top of doily lined silver trays and recipes were shared with friends. She told stories of her travels around the world where she kissed the Blarney stone, traveled the canals of Venice, and found a home away from home in England. Margie was part of the "A" team, a group of friends who could move mountains if need be. They were the first to volunteer to help anyone in need. Impeccably dressed and always donning a designer purse, gifts from her daughters, Margie was always set on go. Just months before her departure, she spoke of purchasing a new car as she was ready to travel and believed there was nothing standing in her way of adventure. Margie Houghton was a collector. She loved fine cut glass, crystal, Hummel figurines and Beanie Babies which she gave freely to any child who happened to visit. She had a way of making you feel that you were the most important person in the world. She gave you her undivided attention and left us all better for knowing her. She spoke fondly of childhood memories in Altheimer, Ark., where her mother operated the local phone switch. During World War II, she lived in San Antonio, Texas where her husband was a military officer. Margie drove a forklift and repaired jet engines at Kelly Air Force Base and was proud to be a Federally employed woman. She beamed with pride when she spoke of her children and grandchildren and their many achievements. Along with her parents, Margaret was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Raymond Houghton, whom she married May 22, 1941, in Pine Bluff, Ark.; and her son, Howard Garrett Houghton who was visually impaired. Margie spent her life searching for a treatment to restore her son's vision. She is also preceded in death by her brother Robert D. Garrett, son in law Gerald O. Miller, and her sister Martha Mae Powers, an important member of the A Team and Margie's best friend. Survivors include her daughters, Mary Louise Miller and Martha Staton and her husband, Gary; grandchildren, Gerald O. Miller Jr. and wife Janice, Joy Beth Miller Romage and husband Steve, and Robert Joseph Staton; four great-grandchildren and nine great-great grandchildren, and nephews Steve Garrett, Bob Garrett, and Tommy Powers. Thank you to caregivers at Parkway Village and many friends and relatives who loved and cared for Margie including Missy Brodnax, Jane Colclasure, Judith and Joe Colclasure, Ray and Barbara Colclasure, Martha Coop, Karen Martin and family, and Minnie Raspberry. A graveside service will be 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2022, at Memorial Park Cemetery with Reverend Carlton Cross officiating. Mrs. Houghton will be in state Tuesday morning from 10:00 a.m. until Noon at Ralph Robinson and Son Funeral Directors. Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, 200 West 6th Avenue, Pine Bluff, Ark., 71601. Online register: www.RalphRobinsonandSon.com.