Sparta, TN - Mary Lou Houston was born Maria Luisa Martinez on Nov. 5, 1943 in Mesilla, NM. She was the ninth child born to Simon and Manuela (Aleman) Martinez. She grew up in Mesilla, attending the Basilica of San Albino Catholic church on Mesilla Plaza.

On the afternoon of July 1, 1963, she married Airman Roscoe Houston. After being transferred to Suffolk County Air Force Base in Westhampton, NY, they welcomed their first two sons, Ricky (1964) and Kerry (1965). The Houston family returned to Tennessee, welcomed the arrival of their youngest, Gregory (1971), and chose to reside on the Cumberland Plateau in Crossville.

In the late 1970s Mary Lou joined the Cumberland County School Food Service, managing the school breakfast and lunch programs at Cumberland County High then Martin Jr. High schools.

Respected by the principals, teachers and students she served, Mary Lou eventually retired after 30-plus years. A devoted mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and aunt, Mary Lou found joy spending time with her family. She enjoyed traveling, camping, and supporting their efforts on the area ball fields.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father; husband, Roscoe Houston; and her siblings, Lorenzo Martinez, Cecilia Martinez, Felicia Tellez, Simona Melon, Francisco Martinez, Juan Martinez, Manuel Martinez, and Simon Martinez.

Mary Lou will be deeply missed by those lives she touched. Among those left to cherish her memory are brother Jose (Adriana) Martinez; sons, Rick (Kathy) Houston, Kerry (Chasity) Houston and Greg (Tamerin) Houston; grandchildren, Tyler (Rachel) Houston, Emily (Christopher) Moses, Jordan (Amber) Houston, Alexis Houston, Jake Houston, and Bradley Bolin; great-grandchildren, Addison, Jaxson, Kaylee and Liam Moses; Iris, Ace and Pierce Houston; and Bennet Bolin; many nieces and nephews; Florence Scoggins, her long time "partner in crime" and a host of beloved relatives and friends.

In lieu of flowers you may dedicate a donation in honor of Mary Lou Houston to the American Cancer Society at https://donate.cancer.org/