Marie Vernell Houchens

Marie V. “Pat” Houchens was born on June 19, 1959 to William B. Houchens and the late Elaine M. Houchens in Richmond, Virginia.  Marie peacefully departed this earthly life on November 5, 2017.

Marie attended primary school in the Louisa County Public School System, VA until she was 12 years old. Her family then moved to Delaware where she graduated from Cape Henlopen High School in 1978.

In her later years, Marie made her home in Dover where she worked at the Modern Maturity Center for a number of years, and most recently at Bob Evans.

Marie was an avid Washington Redskins fan, who loved gatherings with her family where she would laugh and make jokes. Especially with her sister Carolyn or as she called her “Belle.”  She also loved spending time with her children and grandchildren.

She is preceded in death by her grandparents (both paternal and maternal) and her mother Elaine M. Houchens.  She leaves to cherish her memory: her father, William B. Houchens of Milton, DE; her children, Teresa Houchens of Jefferson City, MO, Delories Houchens (Melissa) of Elkton, MD, and Donald Houchens (Ciara) of Harrington, DE; five grandchildren, Sahiara, Elijah, Eliyah, Donald Jr., and Gloria all of Harrington, DE; three sisters, Carolyn Scott of Woodside, DE, Kathy Houchens of Bridgeville, DE and Betty Houchens-Giddins (Melvin) of Lincoln, DE; three brothers, Alton Houchens of Smyrna, DE, Glen Houchens Sr. (Patsy) of Seaford, DE, and William L. Houchens of Dover, DE; her previous spouse, Samuel Shields of Salisbury, MD; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She will be missed by her devoted aunt, Nancy Jefferson, sister-in-law Marshia Houchens, and nephew Shaun Houchens.

Viewing is Saturday, November 11, 2017 from noon until the time of Service 1 pm at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 329 Mulberry Street, Milton, DE.  Interment to follow at Odd Fellows Cemetery, Milton, DE.

 Service Information