Leila B. Houser

"Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates." Proverbs 31: 10, 28-31

Leila B. Houser, 80, of Kingsport, went to be with her Lord and Savior on May 7, 2009, at 4:00 a.m. after a brief illness. She was a devoted Christian and a long-time member of Colonial Heights Christian Church. Born and raised in the Kingsport area, Leila retired from Parks Belk where she worked in the children's department. Leila loved working in her garden-- especially flowers-- and she enjoyed being outdoors.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and James D. Bullis; a daughter, Janice Houser; two sisters, Sara Ellen Amyx and Irene Doran; and brothers, Walter, Jim, Noah, Charles, Raymond and Clarence Bullis.

She is survived by her husband of 60 years, J.D. Houser; a son, Larry Houser and wife Patty of Crestview, FL; three grandchildren, Gary Houser, Melissa Jacobs and husband David, and Kimberly Woodward; nine great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

The family will receive friends on Saturday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Hamlett-Dobson Funeral Home, Kingsport. Funeral services will follow at 7:00 p.m. with Pastor Wes McElravy, Minister, officiating.

Graveside services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Sunday at Tri-Cities Memory Gardens with Pastor Ed Dean officiating. Family members and friends will serve as pallbearers.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Hospice, 2335 Knob Creek Rd., Suite 101, Johnson City, TN 37601or Colonial Heights Christian Church, Food Ministry, 105 Meadow Lane, Kingsport, TN 37663.