Sheila Jeanette "Jan" Houston, 85, passed away peacefully at her home in Buford, GA, on June 4th, 2025. She was born to Virgil and Marie Brown in Ducktown, Tennessee, in 1940. Sheila or Jan or Momma or Grammy, depending on her mood and who you were to her, lived an authentic and joyful life, giving generously of herself to the communities she lived in, every animal that she ever encountered, various worthy causes, and the family that she loved so fiercely.

Jan worked at a little soda counter as a young woman, and at some point, a handsome young man named Joe from across the way with his eye on the Navy also caught an eye, for Jan and he never looked away.  The land in that little mining town was scarred, but from that scarred land came a tree - a glorious family tree that Jan tended to with incredible, immeasurable vigor for all of her years.

Jan and Joe married in 1960, moved around, and had four children. They settled in Dacula, where Jan would volunteer at countless school and community events.  She was a substitute teacher, PTA Co-President (with her husband Joe), and could often be found on game nights working the concession stand at the ballpark, mostly so she could watch her kids play.  Mrs. Houston taught her four children to love God and each other. She doted over those children until they were grown, and then they doted on her-deeply devoted and eternally reverent to the traditions that Jan established for the family that she was so proud of.

When you entered Jan's house, you would very quickly hear…"Yuns sit down and I'll fix you something to eat."  As you left her home, you were given several goodbye hugs, until eventually you received the actual goodbye hug. We will miss those hugs so very much.

It was her greatest joy in life to spoil those around her, and she did it with gusto. Joe was her chauffeur, and the two of them spent their golden years visiting their (her) favorite stores and restaurants, where they loved on the employees like family.

Jan was welcomed to heaven by her son, Sam, granddaughter, Sarah, and many family members and friends that she's missed dearly over the years, and so many good dogs.  Heaven just got even better for all of them.  Jan is survived by her beloved husband, United States Navy Chief Petty Officer and former Dacula Mayor Joe L. Houston, Sr.  No two people would have argued harder that the other had hung the moon. She is also survived by three of her children, Brenda (Ron) Fuller of Greenville, SC, Dennis (Sherrie) Houston of Buford, and Stephanie (James) Harness of Dacula, daughter in law, Gena Houston, nine grandchildren, four (and counting) great grandchildren, two equally hilarious brothers and many beloved nieces and nephews. Also missing their Grammy are Pookie and Lucy, her two deeply, delightfully spoiled dogs. Life will never be the same for any of them without Shiela or Jan or Momma or Grammy, but all are eternally grateful for the years that they got to be alive at the same time as her and listen to that mischievous laugh.

A simple and joyous celebration of her life will take place at home among family with photos, home videos, and plenty of fried squash, dressing, and all the other things her loved ones can't make like she did, but they'll dang sure try.

In lieu of flowers, call your mother, send your grandparents a picture of you, and give your dog a treat.  If you knew Jan, you know that she was a champion for animal welfare.  A donation to HealthyCanines.org, a Georgia nonprofit which eases the financial hardship of veterinary bills, would be a beautiful and fitting tribute. Special thanks to Hospice of Northeast Georgia for their compassionate care.