Mary Susan Houston

Mrs. Mary Susan Richards Houston, 81, of Icard, passed away on Friday, June 20, 2025, at her residence, following a period of declining health.

Mary was born on September 19, 1943, in Caldwell County to the late Percy Richards and Bessie Tinsbloom Richards. She was a member Bethlehem Baptist Church in Valdese and was formerly employed with Doughton Manufacturing.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, David Samuel Houston Sr., two brothers, Richard James “Pete” Richards and Johnny Richards, and a granddaughter, Kelsey Renee Houston.

Survivors include her five children, David Houston Jr., Richard “Rick” Houston, Rebecca Houston Miller, Keith Houston and wife Melissa, and Angela “Darlene” Munday and husband Melvin, and a sister, Ann Lockee. Also surviving are her grandchildren: Johnathan Miller and wife Jessica, Keisha Smith and husband Anthony, Michele Harrison and husband Calvin, Mindy Mitchem and husband Roger, Joshua Houston and wife Taylor, Hannah Houston, Caleb Houston and Mary, Sarah Cole and husband Ethan, Leah Houston, Tyler Carey and wife Lauren, Cash Norman and Hannah, and Emma Norman, great-grandchildren: Peyton Smith, Brooklynn Harrison, Paisley Smith, Nate Miller, Anona Church, Aubree Smith, Noah Mitchem, Makenzee Houston, Clara Carey, Asher Smith, Braxton Houston, Preston Houston, Atticus Church, Eileena Carey, Maddox Houston, Dallas Houston, Nolan Norman, Avery Cole and Jacob Cole, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at 2:00 P.M. in the Chapel of Heritage Funeral Service, with Rev. Joe Demspey officiating. Interment will follow at Henry River Baptist Church Cemetery in Hildebran.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, from 1:00 until 2:00 P.M. at Heritage Funeral Service in Valdese.

Memorials may be sent to Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Rd., Newton, NC 28658.

Heritage Funeral Service & Crematory is assisting the Houston family.