MARGERY ANN HOUSTON December 23, 1932 – April 30, 2025 Margery Ann Houston was born Margery Ann Miller on December 23, 1932 to Elmer and Wilma Miller of Moreland, Ohio. She never liked her name. She also disliked it when it was misspelled, shortened (Marge) or incorrect. You would never want to call her Margaret.
She had eight siblings (Ralph, Roy, Virgina, Donald, Roger [who we always knew as Gene], June, Wanda, Janet). She would often talk about her brother Gene, a casualty and Purple Heart recipient of the Korean War, telling of how much he would make her laugh. She cared for her sister Virginia as she fought cancer at the end of her life. Her sisters June and Janet survive her.
Margery raised three children, primarily by herself, and in an age when single motherhood was not easy. Her fierce independence and strong work ethic were instilled by her life on the farm, and drove her to start several small businesses throughout her life. The most successful of those was her bookkeeping and tax business, which she began in 1975 and continued working at until January of 2025, at the age of 92.
Her venture into this business was not surprising. She was obviously more intelligent than many would have suspected. In another era, she definitely would have attended college. What she would have done with that education we can only guess, but it would have most assuredly been impressive. She would on occasion tell of her success in the state math competition at a young age, an obvious source of pride, and indicating her untapped abilities. Margery loved talking with her clients, her family, and really anyone she met outside the home. A short conversation with mom was unusual.
In the 1985 eulogy of her mother, the strong bond Wilma had with her family was noted. This dedication to family was passed to Margery. She worked tirelessly to provide for her three children. Sunday trips to Grandma Miller’s house in Moreland were de-facto weekly events, ensuring her children’s connection to their past, their roots, and their extended family.
She leaves behind numerous family members: three Children (Randall, Renee, Brian); six Grandchildren (Leo, Christopher, Sarah, Samantha, Layne, Vanessa); five Great-Grandchildren (Nicole, Casey, Sean, Xavier, Destiny); two Great-Great-Grandchildren (Peighton, Davina); two siblings (June, Janet); and many nieces and nephews.
A Funeral Service will be held on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 10:00 AM at McIntire, Bradham & Sleek Funeral Home, 216 E. Larwill St., Wooster. Interment to follow at Moreland Cemetery.
Friends will be received on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM at the funeral home.
Memorial contributions may be directed to Moreland Community Historical Society, c/o Steve Gilson, 561 W. Moreland Rd, Wooster, Ohio 44691; or Ohio’s Hospice LifeCare, 1900 Akron Rd., Wooster, Ohio 44691.
Online condolences may be directed to www.mcintirebradhamsleek.com.
To the Houston family So sorry about Margery’s passing . She was a very nice and hardworking woman ! Prayers to you all – Wendy Brown
Margery Houston handled the accounting & tax reporting duties for our father, the late D. Dean Brown, and his business, Brown Trucking & Transportation. She was a very intelligent, hard-working, honest, & humorous person. We enjoyed & appreciated her taking care of our business, personal accounts, and for being a reliable, trusted resource, & friend.
People should always remember she formed her own business in a time when women were not valued or appreciated in the business world. Her success reflects what a self-motivated, dedicated, smart, thorough, persistent member she was of the Wooster business community.
Many individuals, choosing to open their own businesses, learned lessons from Margery that helped them develop & maintain successful companies. They owe part of their success stories to her.
Thank you, Margery, for all your wisdom, care, guidance, & friendship through the years.
The D. Dean Brown family offers our sincere sympathy to Renee, Brian, & Randy. Your mother was a very accomplished individual, who helped make positive differences in the world and in the lives of others. Always be proud of her and all she accomplished.
The Ron and Jody Luke family offer our deepest and sincere sympathy to you and your extended family. Your mom and precious loved one and friend will be fondly missed. Will always think fondly of our conversations like family. Always be proud of her and The differences she made in everyone’s life s.