Louise Housholder's Obituary
Louise Baker Housholder died on May 9. She was born on Oct. 24, 1920, to Dr. Edwin and Lora Baker in Adamsville, TN, the third daughter of four. She was raised in Oakville and graduated from Whitehaven HS. After attending Blue Mountain College and Memphis State, Lou met Charles Housholder, a Resident at Memphis Baptist Hospital from Knoxville. She regaled all with hilarious stories of their first date and too, of an apprehensive Charles timidly shelling pecans on their honeymoon night. They married three weeks before Pearl Harbor on November 10, 1941. Fort Oglethorpe, Ga. was home until Chas left in February, 1944, for 20 months overseas duty during WWII. They were married for over 71 years settling in Memphis after the War. When Charles returned, he met his 17 month old child, Jean (Saxon) of Memphis. Two sons followed – Jon Housholder (Cathy) of Memphis and Joel Housholder (Cindy) of Dallas. Louise was affectionately known as “Miss Lou” to her friends and family. She was adept at making people feel welcome and frequently found herself hosting or greeting others. She loved being the “life of the party” and was always ready for the next fun adventure or social gathering. She loved ballroom dancing and competed into her 50’s. She loved dolls and decorating and working on puzzles. She was generous and enjoyed giving and helping others. Among her numerous service activities was her work in the Lebonheur Club dedicated to serving the children’s hospital where Chas treated the first patient in 1952. She was one of the originators of the Golden Girls who created the “I love kids” bumper stickers that are still prominently seen around town. She also enjoyed her service to The Duration Club, the Women’s Exchange, and Women of Second Presbyterian Church where she was an active member since 1961. Her legacy continues with nine grandchildren: Ashley Louise Abraham (Michael) of Oxford; Megan Murphree (Martin) of Senatobia; Malcolm Saxon (Adrienne) of Jackson, MS; Bethany Miller (Jon) of Franklin, TN; Ragan Oswalt (Chandler) of Clinton, MS; Paige Baker (Drew) of Memphis; Katie Sheedy (Adam) of Dallas; Anne Louise Houser (Chris) of Dallas; and David Housholder of Dallas; and sixteen great-grandchildren. The family wishes to thank the staff at The Village of Germantown for their special care of Miss Lou during these last several years. There will be a memorial service at Second Presbyterian Church, 4055 Poplar, on Monday, May 13, at 11 AM with a reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be given to the World Missions department at Second Presbyterian Church or to the Church Health Center.Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave. Memphis, TN 38119, (901)767-8930, “Behind the Stone Wall”.
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