Debra Houtchings Obituary

Ms. Debra Houtchings, 74, of Lexington, died on October 30, 2025. Born in Richland County, SC she was the daughter of the late James Henry Taylor Robert.
She was loved and raised by "Rob" Addison and Marie Hinson Addison. She was a proud member of the East Columbia Pentecostal Holiness Church and had a deep love for God, her family, and her friends.
She retired from Schneider Electric Company, where she worked and met the love of her life, the late Michael Houtchings. Additionally, her favor past time was cooking. She was known for baking her award winning SC State Fair Lemon Squares.
Her family will always remember her for the "Three Gs": Grandkids, God, and Generosity. Nothing made Debra light up like her by grandchildren, who were the pride and joy of her life. Her love for them was endless, just like her faith, which was the steady current guiding everything she did. And then there was her generosity, a trait as legendary in her circle as her lemon squares. Whether it was a kind word, a batch of cookies for a neighbor or friends, or a listening ear when someone needed it most, Debra found ways big and small to make others feel cherished and respected.
Survivors include her only surviving brother Jerrell Herring, Rena Herring. Waxhaw NC and children, Marcas Houtchings (Melissa), Chantell Houtchings (Moe), Erin Desso (Rusty) Eric Houtchings, grandchildren, Taylor (Hannah), Marco (Christian), Lilli, Hannah, Harper, and sister-in-law, Paula Dawkins (Junior).
She is preceded in death by her parents, Robert "Rob" Addison and Marie Hinson Addison and James Henry Taylor.
A funeral service will be held at 3 o'clock on Saturday, November 1, 2025, at East Columbia Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1213 Hazelwood Rd, Columbia, SC 29209. A visitation will be held from 1 until 3 o'clock at East Columbia Pentecostal Holiness Church, for family and friends to gather. Burial will take place at 11 o'clock on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery, 4170 Percival Road, Columbia, SC 29229.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that all donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude’s Place, Memphis, TN 38105; or to East Columbia Pentecostal Holiness Church, 1213 Hazelwood Rd, Columbia, SC 29209, in loving memory of Ms. Debra T. Houtchings.
Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.