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Nov. 6, 1929 – June 30, 2024

FERRIDAY – Gloria Fern Willis Houck was born November 6, 1929, in Taylor, AR to John and Lucinda Willis and went home on Sunday, June 30, 2024, to worship with our Lord and Savior. She was a true servant of the Lord and loved her home church, Ferriday Church of Christ. The family rests knowing she is walking in the waters of “Crooked Creek” with her spouse Donald Lee Houck.

Her greatest gifts and accomplishments were found in being a loving wife and an amazing mom of four fantastic boys. Some of her favorite moments in serving her community were witnessed during her time as a volunteer as a “Pink Lady” at Riverland Medical Center for many years and eating Fried Fish with the medical team on Fridays.

Gloria was one of nine siblings and is now rejoicing in the reunion of all her brothers and sisters.

She was the best mother and gave the best gift to four wonderful women and their families, the four boys she raised to be great husbands, fathers, and friends. You could always find a smile on her face when the dining table was filled with family and friends, eating the best roast and chocolate pie around, specially prepared by “mom” best known as MaMaw.

She was preceded in death by her spouse, Donald Lee Houck, and her oldest son, Richard Houck.

Survivors include sons, Larry Houck and wife, Jan of Dublin, GA, David Houck and wife, Barbara of Brandon, MS, and Mark Houck and wife, Vanessa of Vidalia, LA; daughter-in-law, Linda Houck; grandchildren, Jared Houck, wife Cindy, and daughter Mary Presley, Jana Houck Ortiz, husband Jose, and son Jacob, Craig Houck, wife Eryn, sons Baker, Grant, Garret, and daughter Maggie, Lauren Houck VanRensburg, husband Schalk and daughter Eloise Fern, Devin Houck, and Miranda,  Jessica Franklin, spouse Robert, and sons Reece and Brooks, Brandon Houck, Adrianne Warren, husband Cody, and daughter Josey,  and Kaden Houck; a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews that stayed loyal to keeping in touch with her all 94 years of life; one special friend adopted family member and caregiver, Ms. Christine Caulkins.

Services will be held at Young’s Funeral Home on July 21, 2024, officiated by Jamie McCartney. Visitation for friends will be at 1 p.m. and services will be at 2 p.m. Gloria will be laid to rest in Springhill, LA on July 22, 2024. Graveside services will be at 10 a.m. officiated by Robert Franklin under the direction of Young’s Funeral Home.

The family wishes to thank the absolute best sitter Ms. Christine Caulkins for her friendship, love, and care for our mother. Also, to The Columns Healthcare Center for being that home away from home and Enhabit for your hospice services. The family asks that any donations be made to Sunnybrook Children’s Home.