Funeral services for Doyce Ann Wilson Houck, 83, will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024, at Temple Baptist Church Sanctuary. Visitation will begin at 12:30 p.m., services will be held at 2 p.m., and burial will follow immediately at Harmony Chapel Cemetery in Hico.

Doyce was born on April 8, 1941, in Kimbletown, LA, and entered Heaven on May 15, 2024, in Ruston, LA. She was preceded in death by her loving husband of 62 years, Willie Wayne Houck, her parents Samuel Daulton Wilson and Sarah Lorelle Revel Wilson, brothers S.D. Wilson, Jr., Steve Wilson, and sister Geraldine Wilson Lunsford.

She is survived by her three children, Teresa Houck Yelverton (Jack), Tracy Wayne Houck (Angela) and Amy Houck Sutton; grandchildren Sara Yelverton, Lauren Houck Holomon (Cohen), Addison Yelverton, Anna Houck and Colter Sutton; sister Christine Wilson Lazenby (Jerry), sister-in- law Christi Wilson, “adopted sister” Brenda Houck Grafton (Donnie), dear friend of 50 years, Jean Pee (Fred), and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Doyce lived an active and engaging life, and while she faced health challenges from her late 20s onward, she was a fighter who never wavered in her resolute faith in the Lord, her Savior, and in her total devotion to her family, especially husband Willie Wayne, who served as Lincoln Parish Sheriff for 24 years, and as a local law enforcement officer for a total of 60 years.

If ever there was an example of “beside every great man is a great woman” it was Doyce, who never sought the expectations and spotlight of a public servant’s wife, but she met those obligations with steadfastness and grace.

She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Lisbon High School and was a fierce competitor as point guard for the high school basketball team – which is where her husband caught a glimpse of her. They later married, moved to Ruston, and both graduated from Louisiana Polytechnic Institute (LA Tech University). Her competitive nature and love of sports continued through her life, and she enjoyed playing church intramural basketball, softball, and volleyball.

Doyce was an active member of Cook Baptist Church, where she taught Sunday School. She also taught preschool at Trinity Methodist Church and worked for many years at Ruston State Bank.

A witty and bright woman, who had a “way with words” and a special love for the English language and literature, Doyce was well-known for her remarkable memory and ability to recite lengthy poems and prose throughout her life – “Little Boy Blue” and “The Midnight Ride of Paul Revere” were two favorites. She also played piano, favoring Gospel music.

Doyce was a great cook who enjoyed “putting up” summertime corn and purple hull peas, making a variety of jellies and fig preserves, and eating onions, her favorite food. She also loved Coca-Cola, believing it could cure most any ailment, and breakfast always included a glass of the magic elixir for everyone.

For her children, Doyce was an unwavering presence, providing strength, safety, and comfort, acting as cheerleader and problem solver, and possessing an uncanny ability to always deliver exactly what was needed (even if it might not always be what was wanted). She led by example, showing her children the blessing of unconditional love, saying “I love you” often, and sharing her deep love of Jesus with her family.

She is missed and will be loved forever.

Pallbearers will be Mike Lunsford, Bradley Wilson, Joeseph Wilson, Stowie Sutton, Jack Yelverton and Paul Halaszyn. Honorary pallbearers will be Jeff Lazenby, Nathan Wilson, David Lazenby, Scott Wilson, and Ronnie Cook.

Special appreciation and gratitude are given to Doyce’s devoted home caregivers: April Fox, Linette Williams, Paula Knight, Nicole Levingston, Vallory Bridges and Anitra Owens, who were truly a blessing sent from Heaven.

“Surely goodness and Mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”  Psalms 23:6

Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.kilpatrickfuneralhomes.com

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