BILLIE FISHER CARR HOUGHTON

South Carolina, Pawleys Island-Billie Fisher Carr Houghton died peacefully at home in Pawleys Island, South Carolina, on Sunday night, April 7, 2013, surrounded by her loving family and wonderful caregivers. An avid reader and traveler who had a special touch with babies, Billie lived a full and active 81 years of life. She was born in Memphis, TN, on January 20, 1932. She graduated from Hutchison School in Memphis and attended Bennett College. She married Oscar C. Carr, Jr., a planter from Clarksdale, MSi. She and Oscar had five children, and the family eventually moved to New York City. In New York, Billie received her undergraduate degree from Adelphi University and her master’s degree in social work from the Hunter College School of Social Work in New York. After her husband Oscar’s death in 1977, Billie married the Reverend Alanson B. Houghton on June 16, 1979. At that time, Alan was the rector of the Church of the Heavenly Rest in New York City. In June 1988, Billie delivered the commencement address to the graduating class of the Training Institute for Mental Health in New York where she had trained. She had a private counseling practice in New York City which she continued when Billie and Alan moved from New York to Charleston, SC. Billie and Alan retired in Pawleys Island, where they enjoyed their beautiful home overlooking the marsh and Pawleys Island. Billie was predeceased by her husband, Oscar C. Carr, Jr. and her son, John Thomas Fisher Carr. Billie was very active in conservation and in protecting the environment, and she held leadership positions with the Coastal Conservation League and Winyah Conservancy. Billie also was dedicated to the Episcopal Church, active in the Democratic Party and active supporter of The Family Justice Center whose mission is to prevent domestic violence and to protect and to care for victims of domestic violence. She is survived by her husband, Alan, four children, Oscar C. Carr, III of Memphis, TN, Blanche Carr Symons of London, England, Scott Carr Adams of Pawleys Island and E’Lane Carr Tipton of Lexington, SC; four stepchildren, Sandy Houghton, Alanson B. Houghton, III, Hope Houghton Newell and Carter Houghton, 19 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. A funeral and memorial service for Billie will be held at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, April 10, at Holy Cross Faith Memorial Episcopal Church in Pawleys Island, South Carolina. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions should be sent to the Coastal Conservation League, 328 East Bay Street, P.O. Box 1765, Charleston, SC 29402. Mayer Funeral Home (843)546-4184