Margie Lee Houston

Margie L. Houston, a remarkable, loving, and kind-hearted woman of God who cherished her family deeply, entered the gates of Heaven on Tuesday, December 16, 2025, at the golden age of 86. Born on September 27, 1939, in Bishop, Texas, to Fate and Margie Rhone, Margie lived a life that reflected faith, service, and unwavering love. In her final moments, she was surrounded by the embrace of family and the legacy of a Proverbs 31 woman whose life was truly well lived.

Margie was preceded in death by her beloved parents; her husband, James Nathan Houston; one sister, Geneva Bowie; and two brothers, Max Rhone and Lafayette Rhone. She now rejoins them in eternal rest.

Margie's journey through life was marked by strength, resilience, determination, and a deep passion for education. She received her formal education in the Bishop, Texas school system, where her teacher, Mrs. Lucille James, instilled in her a lifelong love for learning. That passion led Margie to pursue and obtain her certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) in 1970.

A woman who genuinely loved people, Margie devoted her professional life to serving others—especially children and senior citizens. After earning her CPA certification, she began working at Retama Nursing Home, where she provided compassionate service to senior citizens. Her commitment to community service continued through her work with the South Texas Community Action Corporation in Kingsville. Margie later extended her impact in the social work field, serving as a caseworker for Kleberg County Human Services from 1990 until her retirement in 2000.

God blessed Margie with many talents beyond her professional calling. She had a natural gift for hospitality and was known as a skilled seamstress, home and event decorator, gardener, and an exceptional cook. She earned the affectionate title of "Top Chef" among family and friends. Margie was especially famous for her beloved Peach Cobbler and Banana Pudding, along with countless soul food and all-American dishes that brought people together. Requests for "Margie's Peach Cobbler" were a cherished tradition for King Star Baptist Church's Annual Day, its members, and friends throughout the community. Her favorite saying reflected her humility:
"You do not have to brag on the food you cook. The food you cook will speak for you."

Margie served her community faithfully and always paid it forward. She was a passionate advocate for children's education, volunteering for 15 years as a member of the Communities In Schools Living Legends Committee, which raises funds to support students and families in Kleberg County and the Kingsville Independent School District with school supplies, food backpacks, and other essential needs. She also served as Assistant Director of the Douglass Youth Center, Inc. and remained an active member of its Board of Directors for more than 30 years, until she gained her wings.

In the summer of 2003, Margie developed and coordinated the first Kids Café Summer Program in Kleberg County at the Douglass Youth Center, in partnership with the Corpus Christi Food Bank—ensuring that children had access to nutritious meals during the summer months.

Margie L. Houston leaves behind a legacy of faith, service, generosity, and love that will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her. Her life was a testimony, her works were many, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family, friends, and community.

After her retirement, Margie continued her commitment to service by joyfully serving as an SSCEP participant at the Douglass Youth Center (DYC), where she worked as an office clerk. This role allowed her to remain actively engaged in community service was something that was always close to her heart.

However, Margie's greatest love and true calling was her unwavering faith, along with her deep love and devotion to her family. She was a devoted member of King Star Baptist Church in Kingsville, Texas, where she served faithfully and tirelessly in various capacities wherever she was needed. Her primary role was that of an usher and doorkeeper in the Lord's house, a position she carried out with humility, warmth, and genuine love. Margie welcomed all who entered with kindness, grace, and a radiant spirit, both within the church and throughout the community.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life and was instilled in her at an early age by her mother.  Her faith guided every step she took and every decision she made. She lived her faith openly, sharing God's love with everyone she met.

Margie was a loving and devoted mother who cherished her seven children unconditionally. She showered her family with endless love, care, and affection. Her home was always open and welcoming, filled with laughter, warmth, and the aroma of home-cooked meals. Anyone could stop by and be received with love and nourishment. Whether caring for her own family or extending a helping hand to those in need, Margie's nurturing spirit touched countless lives and left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Margie leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, service, and grace that will forever inspire those blessed to know her.

She is survived by her children and stepchildren:
Kenneth Ray (Doretta) Rhone of Austin, Texas; Jeannette (Clarence) Price of Kingsville, Texas; O'Dell (Janie) Melton Jr.; Vera Hemphill of Houston, Texas; Gerald L. Melton of Kingsville, Texas; Donald Chris (Tammi) Melton of Omaha, Nebraska; Leonard Charles (Beaulah) of Kingsville, Texas; Roslyn Smith of Houston, Texas; and Rodney Houston of Dallas, Texas.

She is also survived by her 15 grandchildren: Dr. Dianna Maria, Erica Wooly, Jamel (Jasmine) Melton, Christopher Newton, Brittany Hemphill, Melo (Crystal) Melton, Lena Hemphill, Taylor Melton, Marquise King, Seth Hemphill, Breon Rhone, Miranda Melton, Ashia, Ariel, and Aaleyah King; and her 13 great-grandchildren, whom she cherished dearly.

Margie is further survived by her sisters-in-law: Corrine Houston of Kingsville, Texas; Lynn Frater of Kingsville, Texas; and Mary Rhone of Dallas, Texas; brothers-in-law Nat (Gloria) Jackson of Partlow, Virginia; Roy Dale Bailey of Euless, Texas; and Bernard Bailey of Norman, Oklahoma.

She leaves behind her adopted daughters from another mother: Sandra Woodruff of Kingsville, Texas, and Sharon Mitchell of Austin, Texas; adopted grandsons Lee Kellough of Porter, Texas, and Antwon Carson of Kingsville, Texas.

She is also survived by her nephews: Issac Rhone of Dallas, Texas; Rev. Brian Bonner of Dallas, Texas, Texas; and Wesley (Barbara) Bowie of Austin, Texas; and her nieces: Margie Bonner (her namesake) (Brian) of Dallas, Texas, and Barbara (Joseph) Stewart of Austin, Texas. And uncle Erich (Eva) Smith of Kingsville, Texas

Special cousins include Louise Holliday of Austin, Texas; Dorothy Haynes of Dallas, Texas; Ruby Roe of Austin, Texas; Frances (Sonny) McGee of Kingsville, Texas; and Ervin (Melinda) of Kingsville, Texas.

She is also lovingly remembered by her lifelong friend, Sally Brazzel; Besties, Lorraine Greenwood of Kingsville, Texas, Marion Joiner of Houston, Texas, and O'Dell Melton Sr. of Kingsville, Texas; along with a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins, and friends.

Though Margie L. Houston may be gone from our sight, her memory will continue to shine brightly in our hearts forever.

We bid farewell to our beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, finding comfort in the knowledge that she is now at peace, surrounded by the eternal love of her Heavenly Father. Rest well, dear Mama, until we meet again in the glorious presence of God. Amen.