TI-IERE'S PEACE AND CALM.IN TI-IE TWEN1Y-THIRD PSALM
With the Lord as your Shepherd, you have all thatyou need,
For ifyou follow in His footsteps wherever He may lead,
He will guard and guide and keep you in His loving, watchful care, And when traveling in dark valleys, your Shepherd will be there . ..
His goodness is unfailing, His kindness knows no end, For the Lord is a Good Shepherd on whom you can depend ... So, when your heart is troubled, you'll find quiet, peace, and calm
Ifyou'll open up your Bible and just read this treasured psalm.
-Helen Steiner Rice

Kenneth E. Houston Glen Edward Johnson William Walter Cross
Ramone Lamkin

Ronald E. Houston Walter Bowers, III Curtis Lamkin
Samuel Williams

The family acknowledges with grateful appreciation all acts of kindness rendered during their time of bereaven1ent. The many cards, visits, calls and prayers are deeply appreciated.
The family would like to extend a special thank you . to Marcia Chandler and Jonathan Eason for their
special recording of Edith's favorite musical selections.
- The Family-
Donations
Donations can be made in Edith Houston's name to: Scholarship Fund
Decatur Alumnae, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. P.O. Box 3 706 73
Decatur, GA 30037-0673
Please join the family for repass at the church immediately following the mass.
Interment Hillside Cemetery- Panama City, Florida
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Final Arrangements Entrusted To
Gregory B. Levett&. Sons Funeral Homes&. Crematory, Inc.
Avondale Scoudale C h1pel iS! :'-I Cla rendo n Avenue
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Saturday, May 20, 2017 11:00 a.m.
SAINfS PETER AND PAUL CATHOLIC 2560 Tilson Road
Decatur, Georgia 30032

Edith Juanita Bowers Houston was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. Walter Hubert Bowers and Juanita Garrett Bowers in Panama City, Florida. She was the first of seven children, raised in a devoted Christian home and accepted Christ at an early age. She was surrounded by a large, close contingent of aunts, uncles and relatives among the "village" whose principles helped shape her kind, gentle and loving life. Edith was educated in a stable public school environment where acaden1ic achievement was emphasized by her parents. She graduated from Rosenwald High School with highest honors and was also an outstanding basketball player. In 1955 she entered Florida A&M University, majoring in education, where she continued to display a high aptitude for learning. Edith was recognized with many honor society awards and accolades. She completed her undergraduate degree at FAMU but also met and became the heartthrob of Samuel Benjamin Houston. Their love blossomed, and they graduated and began a wonderful life together. On December 26, 1959 Edith and Ben were married by the grandfather who pastored her lifelong church. From this loving union two sons, Mark and Michael, were born. The family would go on to live a venturesome life, moving around the country and world, as Ben was a career military officer. Edith's children were her ultimate focus. She was the supreme ITA and sports supporting mom, helping her young sons through their early years. As a family, they were very active "woods and lake" campers where Edith keep up with her guys through the fun and challenges of outdoors. Edith attained a Masters Degree from Butler University in 1965. She was an excellent elementary school teacher in Florida, Staten Island NY, Tucson AZ, Indianapolis IN, US Army Dependent Schools in Germany, Smoke Rise, Chapel Hill elementary schools in DeKalb County GA and Saints Peter and Paul school. She also loved teaching Sunday school to introduce children to the love of Jesus Christ. The family moved to DeKalb County in 1979. Saints Peter and Paul Catholic Church (SSPP) was their home church and sons school as well. Edith dearly loved SSPP and fellow parishioners. She spent a lot of happy time, and for years was involved in and led several ministries of the church: Minister, Eucharistic, Liturgy, Scripture Readers, Women's Club, Grand Lady of Knights of Peter Claver Auxiliary. For over 25 years, Edith was a weekly Scripture Study and Rosary group leader. She would warmly gre'et parishioners, and encouraged them for positive church and life involvement. Edith promoted physical activity in the community. She was a daily distance group walker, did Tai-Chi, yoga, aerobics and won seniors Olympics swimming championships. In earlier times, she was a nationally certified AAU official, a scout den mother and conducted fund raising events for youth programs. She was that unknown person in baggy clown outfit making kids laugh at "Spring Into Reading" and similar youth events around town. Her love for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. was unquestionably true. Initially as chapter president in college and onward in life she was that ever-present Lady in Red. Edith gave unquestionable support to the community enhancing efforts of the organization. Foremost, however, was her love for her family and love for God. Edith leaves to cherish her memories: her "best friend" husband of 57 years, Samuel Benjamin Houston; sons, Mark and Michael; brothers, Walter H. Bowers, Jr. (Enid), John (Rebecca), and Constance (Dave); many nieces and nephews who she showered with gifts and love.

Prelude

Introductory Rites

Processional. ................................"Just A Closer Walk With Thee"

Liturgy of the Word

First Reading: Isaiah 25: 6-9 .................................. Mark Houston

Responsorial Psalm 23 ................ .........."The Lord Is My Shepherd"

Second Reading: 2 Corinthians 5: 1 6- 10.................Michael Houston

Gospel Reading: Matthew 25: 31-46............... ....... Deacon Jerry Lett

Homily........................................ ..... ... .... ....Father Bryan Small

Prayers of the Faithful. .................... .... .... .. Deacon Alfred Mitchell

Liturgy of The Eucharist

Preparation of the Gifts ....................................... "Fix Me Jesus"

Eucharistic Prayer

The Lord's Prayer

Communion Hymn................. ................ ..... ....."In The Garden"

Communion Meditation........................."Great Is Thy Faithfulness"

Eulogy........................................... Elizabeth Bowers- Richardson

Final Commendation and Prayer ........................Father Bryan Small

Recessional Hymn ......................................"Soon and Very Soon"

Soloist: Juanita Baranco, Ronnell Shaw, Robby Glade, Marcia Chandler