Gloria Joann Houghton

Gloria Joann Lankford Houghton, 55, of Morton, IL, passed away on Friday, October 23, 2026, at Hinkle Hospice House.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 – 8:00 PM, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at Davidson Funeral Home, Lexington.

Joann was born on February 15, 1971, in Surry County, to the late Troy Lankford and Gloria Jean Edwards Morrison. She retired from Lexington City Schools after working for many years as the Director of Child Nutrition.

Never having met a stranger, Joann’s infectious smile, big blue eyes, and bubbly personality created a warm welcome to all those she knew. Her ability to make friends anywhere she went was an innate talent she possessed for all her life, whether that was meeting someone in a nail salon, chatting someone up in line at the store, or sharing a moment at the Grand Canyon.

Joann and her husband, Jess, loved traveling when they had the chance and enjoyed seeing the beauty of their surroundings in Colorado, Arizona, Florida, and everywhere in between.

She was an honest and headstrong person who one always counted as lucky to have in their corner, and the ability she had to make everyone feel like their best self spoke to her character and her heart for others. The way she nudged with her realistic optimism was what gave others courage to spread their wings.

Joann was an integral part of the business that she and her husband launched, and they became successful with their mobile cigar lounge after investing their time and energy into every part of the idea. Her push was the spark that made it all possible.

The most important aspect of life, however, was her family. She adored her grandson, Everest, and was an exceptional influence in his life. She took pride in her family and cared for them fiercely. The circle of friends she kept were close and were loved just as deeply.

Along with her parents, she is preceded in death by her brother, Curtis Lankford.

Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Jess Houghton, of the home; daughter, Courtney McElroy (Brad), of Winston-Salem; stepson, Jake Houghton; sister, Angie Hughes; stepdad, Jerry Morrison; grandson, Everest McElroy and two more on the way.

Her sense of humor and genuine love for life will be carried on within the hearts of all those she loved.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Illinois Cancer Care Here.