On November 15, 2020, Jimmie Laura Musselwhite Houston passed away peacefully at the age of 89. Jimmie Laura was born on March 22, 1931 in Bainbridge, Georgia to David Musselwhite and Ileff Powell Musselwhite. She lived and raised her three children in Orange Park, Florida before retiring from Blue Cross Blue Shield in 1993 and relocating to Tifton, Georgia for the remainder of her life.
A beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, Jimmie Laura was a member of First Baptist Church in Tifton, Georgia and was cared for and shown immense hospitality by Earl and June Branch as part of the deacon family ministry. She enjoyed road trips with her late sisters and loved spending time with her extended family. She also enjoyed volunteering as a Pink Lady at Tift Regional Medical Center, where she greeted patients and guests with a warm smile.
A friend to all, Jimmie Laura was best known for her kind demeanor and willingness to go out of her way to help others. She fiercely loved her family and valued time when they could gather together to share stories and laughter. In her last months of life, her family is deeply grateful for the care and love she received from the staff at Legacy Village and Homestead Hospice.
Jimmie Laura was preceded in death by her parents, her four sisters, three brothers, and her son, Steve Houston of Jacksonville, Florida. She is survived by her children, Gail Beard (Dale) of Tifton, Georgia and Randy Houston (Tammy) of Erin, Tennessee, along with her daughter-in-law, Shirley Houston of Jacksonville, Florida; nine granddaughters, Lorin Howells (Chip), of Jacksonville, Florida, Jennifer Wisen (Jason) of Jacksonville, Florida, Terri Pait of Jacksonville, Florida, Amanda Houston of Jacksonville, Florida, Crystal Houston of Erin, Tennessee, Ellen Holcomb (Jeff) of Erin, Tennessee, Heather Houston of Erin, Tennessee, Laura Beard of Atlanta, Georgia and Stephanie Beard of Atlanta, Georgia; and 17 great-grandchildren.
A private, graveside service for family will be held at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, November 18, 2020, at the Oak City Cemetery in Bainbridge, Georgia and will be officiated by the Rev. Jim Donovan.
Mason Holcomb, Jeff Holcomb, Kenny Martin, Timmy Hart, Jason Wisen and Chip Howells will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Legacy Village, 1934 Whiddon Mill Road, Tifton, GA 31793; or Homestead Hospice 110 East 10th Street, Tifton, GA 31794.