Obituary of Juanita Houck

Anna Juanita Cook Houck, of West Jefferson passed away at Forsyth Medical Center on Monday morning, May 29, 2017.

Juanita was the fourth of six children born to Benjamin Fredrick Cook and Bessie Alice Welborn Cook. She was born on June 25, 1929 in the Stoney Fork Community of Watauga County. Along with her parents, four of her siblings (James Cook, Mary Francis Nelson, John Daniel Cook and Bryce Cook) preceded her in death. Her in-laws, Ross Dixon Houck and Cora Ann Elizabeth Houck also preceded her in death.

She is survived by the love of her life and marriage partner of 68 years, Edwin Houck of West Jefferson; two children, Alice Collins-Sharpe and husband, Dennis Sharpe of West Jefferson, Rick Houck and wife, Pam Houck also of West Jefferson; four grandchildren, Suzanne Randolph of West Jefferson, Mary Ann Collins of Durham, Mandy Lambert of Gastonia and Meredith Houck of Princeton, New Jersey; three great-grandchildren, Wil Simmons, Anna Simmons, Chandler Lambert and a forth great grandchild due in September, a step granddaughter and five step great grandchildren. She is also survived by a sister, Wynona Hodges of Baltimore, Maryland and two sisters-in-law, Rose Cook, of Boone and Davia Cook, of Warrensville; several nieces and nephews also survive.

Juanita was an active member of Bethany United Methodist Church in Baldwin. Church life was an important and dearly loved part of her life. She was famous for her coconut cream pies at church functions and family reunions.

Playing cards was a favorite pastime of Juanita's. She and her siblings played as children and continued the fun as adults. The card circle grew to include in-laws, friends, children and grandchildren. Fun and shared laughter brought a twinkle to Juanita's eye.

In addition to family card gatherings, Juanita was a member of a bridge group and played regularly until her death. Carol Howell loyally provided weekly transportation to their Bridge games.

A celebration of Juanita Houck's life was held at Bethany United Methodist Church on Friday, June 2, 2017 with Rev. Lewis Poag officiating. Burial will follow in the Bethany Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to: Bethany United Methodist Church, 495 Hwy 194 South, West Jefferson, NC 28694, Ashe County Heart Association, c/o Sandy Roten, PO Box 132, Lansing, NC 28643 or Ashe County Cancer Fund, c/o Cathy Finley, 392 Richardson Hollow Road, Lansing, NC 28643.