Jerrica Houchins

Surrounded by her family, God called His precious child, Jerrica Suzanne Houchins, to her heavenly home Thursday, Feb. 11, 2021.

Jerrica was born Aug. 6, 1986, to Jerry Houchins and Sue Zan Welker in Cape Girardeau.

She was of the Southern Baptist faith, had attended and was a member of Bethany Baptist Church and, most recently, the Cowboy Church at Gravel Hill.

Jerrica was a 2005 graduate of Jackson High School. After graduation, she attended the University of Missouri and then transferred to Southeast Missouri State University, where she received her degree in the exceptional child/elementary education. Later, she earned her master's degree from Southeast in education administration. Jerrica was a special education teacher at Chaffee (Missouri) High School.

Jerrica loved being Maggie's mother; she considered her daughter the biggest and brightest accomplishment of her life. Jerrica had a passion for teaching. She fondly referred to her students as "my kids" and would move heaven and earth for their benefit. She loved going to concerts, Target, Aldi's, yard sales, taking Jeep rides, kayaking, hunting, riding four-wheelers and Proverbs 3:5-6. Jerrica had a light that attracted many, and that light would shine through any darkened place or situation. Her vivacious, sarcastic, beautiful soul will be so sadly missed.

Jerrica is survived by the loves of her life, fiancee Tanner Keith; their daughter, Maggie Keith; and her ever-faithful dog, Steve, of Glen Allen, Missouri; her father and stepmother, Wendy Houchins of Cape Girardeau; her mother and stepfather, Keith Welker of Millersville; her Granny Gloria Welker of Fruitland; and several aunts, uncles and cousins, all who loved her dearly.

Jerrica was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Cody and Margaret Ruth Hurley; paternal grandparents, Gerald "Houch" and Betty Houchins; stepgrandfather, Leo "Red" Welker; and stepgrandmother, Dorthy Houchins.

Visitation and funeral service will be held on Wednesday at Liley Funeral Home in Marble Hill, Missouri. Visitation will begin at 10 a.m. and continue until service time. Funeral service will begin at 1 p.m. with the Rev. Billy Garner officiating. Interment will follow in the Glen Allen Cemetery.