Carolyn J. Houston, age 82, died peacefully on July 6, 2021, surrounded by her family, holding her husband's hand, and looking into his eyes.

Carolyn was born in Flint, MI, on August 5, 1939, the second of twelve children to Clinton and Olive Taylor. She married Robert Houston on April 5, 1957, and had two children. She attended Mandeville High School in Flint, MI.  Carolyn loved people and people loved her, especially her family.

Carolyn was preceded in death by both of her parents, four of her siblings, and many other loved relatives and friends.  She is survived by her husband Robert Houston of Flint, MI, her son Keith (Nancy) Houston of Saranac MI, her daughter Karen Fiorillo of Virginia Beach, VA, her grandchildren Hollie Everett (Alison Hopkins), Angelique (Josh) Dowd, Lisa (Ernie) Allen, Tony Fiorillo (Autumn Berlin), Matt Houston, Jeff Houston, her great-grandchildren Lilly, Reese, Coco, Hemingway, Fox, along with three brothers, four sisters, many nieces and nephews, family members, and friends.

Carolyn's passion for cooking holiday dinners and baking brought the family together time and time again.  As our matriarch, her beef roast, beef gravy, spaghetti, goulash, and chili were revered and just the smells alone could take you back to your youth. She was well-known for her Texas sheet cakes, pumpkin rolls, cookies, candies, and breads.

Carolyn worked with her husband as a custodian for Kearsley Schools for many years.  She then managed Denny's Donuts on Corunna Rd. and then later worked at Sam's Club as a demo lady.  She was a "people person" and could strike up a conversation with anyone. To her, strangers were just future friends.  She was one of first people setting up at family parties and one of the last to leave after cleaning up.  She loved animals especially horses, dogs, and cats.

Besides loving on her grandbabies and great-grandbabies, Carolyn loved to cook, bake, socialize, listen to music, travel, and spending time with her siblings and friends. She loved hosting and attending parties including the Bunco group that she was in for years with her sisters and friends.

The family would like to thank Kindred Hospice of Virginia Beach, VA, for their wonderful care as well as friends and family who helped cared for her, called her, and visited her these last few months.

Family and friends are invited to a Memorial Gathering for the Celebration of the Life of Carolyn Houston.  It will be held Monday, July 19, 6:00pm-8:00pm, at the Swartz Creek Masonic Hall at 7449 Miller Rd., Swartz Creek, MI.