Mavis Houser

Mavis Martin Ankrim Houser, 97, of Marietta, Georgia passed away peacefully on August 18, 2025. She was born and raised in Kenmore, New York and was the last surviving child of seven children born to the late Henry and Maude Martin. In her late teens the family moved to Florida where she later met and married her first husband. They settled in Largo where they built a home that Mavis designed herself. They raised two beloved children, Dan and Mindy, who Mavis was devoted to and were the center and focus of her life.

In the 1980’s she moved to the Atlanta area to be closer to her daughter where she lived for most of the remainder of her life. It was there at the age of 76 that she married the love of her life, John Houser, and they shared a joyous six years of wedded bliss until his passing in 2011. They remained like newlyweds by celebrating an anniversary every month of their marriage and they cherished each and every day the Lord granted them together. Mavis often marveled at being so blessed to not only have found John, but to also have been given the gift of having her family grow to include John’s three dear children who each meant the world to her.

Throughout her life Mavis had an entrepreneurial spirit and tried her hand successfully at many endeavors. She had a wonderful sense of style and a very talented eye for interior design and a zest for learning anything about everything. Her favorite business endeavor though was one that happened late in life. Unlike most people in their seventies and eighties who take it easy and enjoy being retired, John and Mavis decided to start a tree nursery business together and in 2009 they patented the new American Pillar arborvitae tree which is still being cultivated and sold to this day.

Mavis is survived by her children Dan (Shirley) Ankrim and Mindy (Patrick) Vaughn and stepchildren Jeanine Andres, Allan Houser, and Rheana (Glenn) Merrell; grandchildren Alexander Vaughn, Dona Vaughn (Fotos) Yarifallie, Christopher Vaughn, Timothy (Krista) Vaughn, and Stephen Vaughn; and great-grandchildren Jasmine, James, Emma, Serenity, Karson, Luna, and Lovey.

There is no memorial service planned at this time. We kindly ask in lieu of sending flowers, for those who feel called to honor her, please consider a memorial contribution to her family to assist with final arrangements and expenses.

Mavis had an unwavering trust and steadfast faith in the Lord and He blessed her with a body and soul full of wonder, vitality, energy, curiosity, smarts, and style. She was engaging and friendly and always had a smile for everyone she met. Her absence will be deeply felt and our memories of her will be forever cherished.