Merle Z. Houston

Merle Z. Houston, age 91, passed away peacefully on December 10th, 2024 at Kennestone Hospital in Marietta GA. following a brief illness.  Born on May 11, 1933 in Clayton, Alabama, she was the daughter of the late George William and Annie Snead Zorn.  

Mrs. Houston was a member of the Marianna First United Methodist Church where she was a member of the Clifford Abbott Sunday School class, Lula Rawls Service Guild and sang in the church choir. Merle remained very active her entire 91 years even spending a week over the recent Thanksgiving Holiday at her beloved Mexico Beach where she has vacationed for over 50 years.  Growing up in a small town in Southeast Alabama, Merle was passionate about learning and education and specialized in English.  After earning her degree from Troy State University, she taught high school for several years.  

“I loved teaching because I loved being with students”, she always recalled.  While still working, Merle was eager to advance her education and spent her summers and spare time attending Auburn University where she earned a Master's degree in Education.  Later, she continued at Florida State University where she also earned a Master's degree in Library Science.  Merle shared her love of education with her late husband of 36 years, Joe, who also spent his entire career in education.

Merle spent the majority of her career working as the Librarian and in Public Relations at Chipola Jr. College in Marianna, Florida.  Even though she wasn't in the classroom, she was still constantly teaching and interacting with students.  Merle also volunteered on numerous student and administration committees.  Her love of sports carried over from running races well into her fifties, to her yearly participation as a volunteer for the Chipola State Basketball Tournament.  

Merle retired from Chipola College after 32 years, but even after she retired, the college called her to come back and help out which she really enjoyed. After she finally retired, Merle traveled around the world to places like England, Italy, Russia, China, Australia and France. She eventually moved to be closer to her son and grandchildren who live in Marietta, GA.  She lived at the A.G. Rhodes retirement community for the last eight years.

Survivors include one son, William Joseph Houston Sr. (Marietta, GA); one daughter, Anna Michelle Houston (Chino Valley, AZ); one daughter in law, Lori Kitchens Houston (Marietta, GA); two grandchildren, William Joseph Houston Jr. (Atlanta, GA) and Sarah Katherine Houston (Nashville, TN); one sister, Frankie Joyce Zorn Davis (Skipperville, AL); one nephew, Jim Zorn (Eufaula, AL); three nieces, Beverly Miller (Skipperville, AL), Anne Woodham (Eufaula, AL), and Debbie Green (Columbus, GA). She was also preceded in death by her brother, Willie Ray Zorn.

Funeral services will be 3 P.M. Sunday, December 15, 2024 at First United Methodist Church in Marianna, FL with Reverend Dr. Nathan Attwood officiating. Interment will be private in Pinecrest Memorial Gardens with Marianna Chapel Funeral Home directing.

The family will receive friends for a time of visitation one hour prior to the service in the Wesley Center, located at the First United Methodist Church.

Those serving as pallbearers will be: William Houston Jr., Glen Miller, Dr. Travis Rutland, Robert Trammell, John Brunner, and Billy Bell.

Flowers will be accepted or memorial contributions may be made to the "Joe and Merle Houston Memorial Scholarship Fund" online at www.chipola.edu/foundation or by mail to Chipola College Foundation, 3094 Indian Circle, Marianna, FL  32446.

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