Deborah Elaine (Beaver) Houston

Mrs. Deborah “Deb” Elaine Beaver Houston, 62, of Statesville, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her family and loved ones on Wednesday, July 1, 2015. She was born in Iredell County on January 21, 1953, and was the daughter of the late Mack Beaver, Sr. and Betty Jenkins Beaver. She was a graduate of North Iredell High School and was retired from J.C. Penney Distribution Center. Deborah was a great lover of all animals and had a special place in her heart for her beloved horses.  She won the World Championship Amateur Western Pleasure in 1987 on a horse called “Embraceable Dream” in Oklahoma City, OK.  She later rode “Leah Leaguer” and placed 5th in the World Championship Amateur Western Pleasure in 1994 in Oklahoma City, OK.  “Leah” still remains at the farm.  She is survived by her wonderful husband, Paul D. Houston of Statesville; her special step-son, J. Alex Houston; a brother, Mack Beaver, Jr. (Lena) and a niece, Rebecca Barnette (Jeff) and nephew, Lucas Beaver; two great-nieces, Kayden and Ava Lea Barnette.  She is also survived by her father-in-law, Roby Allen Houston, all of Statesville.  She also leaves behind her best friends Teresa Cook, Debbie Earnest, and Sue Clanton.  They were referred to as “Steel Magnolias” as they together dealt with both fun and hard times.  Her beloved dogs, Emily and Benny and cat, Dopey, also survive. Funeral service for Deborah Houston will be conducted 3:00 PM Sunday, July 5, 2015 at Northview Church of Christ with Les Bonnett and Dan Swan officiating.  The family will visit with friends from 1:30 until 3:00 PM at the church.  Burial will follow in the Abilene Church of Christ on Bell Farm Road.  Active pallbearers will be Dr. Brad Rutledge, Michael Cook, Phil Pearson, Travis Blackwelder, Jim Beaver and Don Forest.  Honorary pallbearers will be Terry Waller, Rick Ellis, Danny Levan, Junior Earnest, Dorman Clanton, and Billy Martin. The family would like to thank the Community Hospice for their care and compassion.  A special thanks to her caregivers Kathleen Ellis, Lillian Lackey, and Doris Church for their loving care and friendship. Memorials may be made to the Rescue Ranch, 1424 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625 or to Community Hospice, 1308 Davie Ave., Statesville, NC 28677. Online condolences can be made to the family at www.nicholsonfunerals.com and Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family of Deborah Houston.