Mary Louise Houston

Mary Louise Swingler Houston, born on June 21, 1942, in Albemarle County, Virginia, passed away peacefully at her home in Statesville, North Carolina, on April 26, 2025, at the age of 82. Her life was a tapestry of love, dedication, and inspiration to all who knew her. 

A devoted Early Childhood Education Teacher at Barium Springs Home for Children, Mary dedicated her career to nurturing young minds with patience and kindness. Her passion for education impacted countless lives, leaving a lasting legacy that will be cherished by generations to come.

Mary had a natural affinity for nature's beauty, especially evident in her love for gardening. Roses were her favorite, and her garden was always a fragrant and colorful testament to the care she lavished upon it. Her love of travel took her to many destinations, but she most eagerly anticipated her sponsored yearly trips to the casino in Atlantic City with her friends and family, moments filled with laughter and joy. 

An active member of her community, Mary was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Star, American Legion Auxiliary Earnest Post 217, and St. John's Baptist Church. Her faith and service were pillars of strength in her life, and she was a guiding light for many seeking comfort and counsel.

 Mary was preceded in death by her parents, Charles Henry Swingler Sr. and Alice Coles Swingler. She leaves behind a legacy of love in her surviving family: her beloved husband of 63 years, Lonnie Lewis Houston Sr., and their three daughters, Sharon Houston-Culbreath (Leonard) of Odenton, Maryland, Andre’a Houston-King of Greensboro, North Carolina and Cheree Houston of Statesville North Carolina, Godson, John W. Houston Jr of Statesville, North Carolina, three brothers James Swingler of Esmont, Virginia, George Swingler of Charlottesville, Virginia and Lawrence Swingler (Tessa), of Madisonville, Kentucky; two sisters Mildred Poindexter of Charlottesville, Virginia, and Ruth Swingler of Esmont, Virginia; three grandchildren, Jessica King and Eric Freeman of Clayton, North Carolina, Sherrell King of Greensboro, North Carolina and Andre’a King-Shippy (Jerry) of Hickory, North Carolina; one grandson Brandon Hynson; three great-grandchildren, Ethan King Freeman, Audrey Shippy, Janelle Shippy; three brothers-in-law, John Houston (Landa) of Statesville, N.C., James Houston of Clemmons, North Carolina and Harvis Mathis of Rock Hill South Carolina; two sisters-in-law; Deborah Long of Atlanta, Georgia and Grace Smith of Cornelius, North Carolina; special friends- Landa Houston, Linda Knox, Carolyn Tidline and Cynthia Clark and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

A funeral service celebrating Mary's life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2025, at St. John Baptist Church in Statesville, officiated by Pastor Burrel Brooks. The family will receive friends at the church from 12:00 pm to 1:00 p.m. prior to the service. Following the service, Mary will be laid to rest at Oakwood Cemetery. Pallbearers will be Christopher Culbreath, Eric Freeman, Jamaar Houston, John Houston Jr., Jerry Shippy and Marvin Stanley. 

Mary Louise Swingler Houston was a beacon of hope, a nurturer of dreams, and a loving wife, mother, and friend. Her spirit will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. 

Nicholson Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements for Mary Houston.