Mary Belle Houston

Mary Belle Houston, 93, of Cairo, died Monday, Oct. 10, 2022 at Charleston Manor in Charleston, Mo.

She was born on April 5, 1929, in Miller City, the daughter of Ed and Pearl Davis Stiff. She married Oscar Houston. He preceded her in death. 

She was a lifelong resident of Alexander County. She enjoyed her family and cooking for them. She also loved walking, talking and taking care of her flowers. She took great pride in reading her Bible. She was a member of the former First Southern Baptist Church in Cairo. 

Survivors include her daughters, Mildred (John) Triantis and Mary Sue Travis, both of Cairo; sons Oscar Leslie Houston and George Allen Houston, both of Cairo; nine grandchildren, Christine (Dan) Bell, Cindy Rice, Mary Ann (Tim) Burress, Katherine (Tim) Scates, George Allen (Christina) Houston II, David (Angela) Houston, Tracey (Michael) Woodworth, Melissa Houston (Chris Huggins) and Les Houston III; 25 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; a brother, Charles Stiff of Anna; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; her son, Michael Ed Houston; four sisters, Judell, Quida, Juanita and Stella; two brothers, George and Paul; a granddaughter, Irene Triantis; and a son-in-law, Roger Travis.

Funeral services were at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 15, at Crain Funeral Home in Cairo, with Mike Sharp officiating. Interment followed in Green Lawn Memorial Gardens. 

Memorials can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Crain Funeral Home in Cairo was in charge of arrangements.

To view the obituary or to leave an online condolence for the family, visit www.crainsonline.com.