T. Jean Houghton

T. Jean Houghton of Eaton Rapids, formerly of Mt. Pleasant, died on August 9, 2021 at the age of 97. Jean was born on March 6, 1924, in North Star Township to Ross and Nora (Baker) Sparks. She graduated from Ithaca High School in 1942. Jean met and married John “Jack” Houghton Jr. and began her teaching career in a rural school in Gratiot County in 1943. She retired in 1981 as the principal of Mecosta Elementary a part of Chippewa Hills Schools in Remus, Mich. Jean and Jack spent over 20 years of their retirement volunteering with Christian Missions. Memorable times were spent at an Indian School in Arizona, a boys school in Honduras, with RIVICS in Florida and the Carolinas and several other places. Since 1976, both were active members of the Gideon Ministry, together in Clare and Isabella Counties, Jean later with the Charlotte-Eaton Camp. When Jack passed away in 2007, Jean moved to Eaton Rapids to be near her daughter and became a member of the First United Methodist Church. John 11:25 is a testament of her faith. “I am the resurrection and the life, those who believe in me even though they die will live again.”
Jean is survived by her daughter, Nora Jean (Forrest) Wellman of Eaton Rapids; son, John Don (Michele) Houghton of Hudsonville; five grandchildren, Jerry (Cheri) Middlesworth, Wendy (Mark) Tozer, Jacob (Janelle) Dent, John (Leah) Houghton IV and Kealy Houghton; eight great grandchildren; five great-great grandchildren; sister, Merna Wolfe; sisters-in-law, Elaine Wood, Donna Houghton and Joan Sparks. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jack; daughters, Mary Middlesworth and Janet Slyvester.
Funeral services were held Thursday, August 12, 2021, at the First United Methodist Church, 600 S. Main St. in Eaton Rapids and 2 p.m. Sunday, August 15 at the Clark Funeral Chapel, 114 S. Bradley St., Mt. Pleasant, MI 48858. Memorial contributions may be made to Gideons International.