Mary Anna Allison Houston

Mary Anna Allison-Houston of Cleveland, Georgia died peacefully at her home on the morning of Friday, February 28, 2020.  Born in Norcross, Georgia on April 3, 1932, she was the daughter of Maude and Horace Moore.  She attended Reinhardt Junior College, and subsequently received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education from LaGrange College, and later her Master of Arts degree in Music Education from the University of Georgia.

In 1955, she moved to Cleveland, Georgia to begin teaching music and taught for many years in the White County School System, sharing her love of music with multiple generations.  She received the Teacher of the Year Award and was Director of Fine Arts before she retired.  She also taught private piano and voice lessons in her home.  Through her Music Therapy training, she brought joy to many developmentally challenged children, as well as senior adults.

Mary Anna married H.A. Allison in 1957, a union that would last for fifty years, until H.A.’s death in 2007.  Together they had four children – Gerry, twins Darrell and Deena, and Douglas.  She was a devoted caregiver to Douglas, who had Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy.  She tirelessly organized fundraising activities, including carnivals, skate-a-thons, and regularly participated in the annual Muscular Dystrophy Association telethon.  Her children fondly remember her love of entertaining; all the wonderful music that she created at home; the BEST homemade peach ice cream; lovingly created hand-made crafts, clothes and Halloween costumes; the fun she created on “snow days”; and the exciting family vacations she arranged each summer.

Mary Anna was very active in the Cleveland United Methodist Church, where she served as Choir Director, Pianist and Organist for many years.  She was an active member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International, United Methodist Women, and various councils and committees at the church.  She also actively participated in the music program at the annual Loudsville Camp Meeting, and sang in countless weddings and funerals in very nearly every church in White County.  In her Cherub Choir, she taught many children how to sing using their “outside voices.”  With a passion for chorus and choir, she organized and led multiple groups who participated in performances and competitions, including her famous men’s choir.

Mary Anna was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, a ballet mom, and a member and past President of White County Retired Educators.  She sang in the Community Chorale and was involved in Kiwanis Club.

Later in life, after H.A.’s death, she was married to Charles Houston for eight years, until his death in 2017.

She is survived by children, Deena A. Handy (Dennis Handy), Gerry Allison (Cathi Allison) and Darrell Allison, and grandchildren, Laura Allison and Benjamin Allison.  She is also survived by stepchildren, Ruth Borden (Craig Borden), Greg Houston (Karen Houston) and Davis Houston (Michelle Houston), ten step grandchildren, and two step great grandchildren.  She was predeceased by her siblings, James Moore, Ernest Moore, and Susan Bivens.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 P.M. Saturday, March 7, 2020 at Cleveland United Methodist Church.  The Rev. David Naglee and Dr. Steve Winter will officiate.  Interment will follow at Gateway Memory Park.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 P.M. Friday at the funeral home.

Charitable contributions in Mary Anna’s name can be made to either Reinhardt University or Cleveland United Methodist Church.  

Arrangements are being handled by Barrett Funeral Home.