Carol Ann (Sullivan) Van Houten

February 19, 1940 – August 27, 2026

Carol Ann (Sullivan) Van Houten, 86, of Burleson, Texas, passed away peacefully on August 27, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A native of Barnesville, Georgia, Ann was a faithful member of First United Methodist Church of Eatonton for 25 years and most recent at First United Methodist Church of Burleson.

Ann was born on February 19, 1940, in Barnesville, Georgia, to the late Zack and Martha Sullivan. She graduated from Grady Memorial Hospital School of Nursing in June 1961, where she held several student leadership positions and was selected as “Best All-Around” in her senior superlatives.

Her nursing career spanned more than 50 years and included work at multiple hospitals. She retired from the TCU Student Health Center before returning to nursing in Eatonton, Georgia.

Ann married her beloved husband, Thomas Jackson “T.J.” Van Houten, Sr., of Barnesville, on December 31, 1961. Together they raised two children, Thomas Jackson “Tom” Van Houten Jr. and the late Zackie Lynn Van Houten Boen.

Ann’s faith was an important part of her life. She treasured the fellowship of her church community and the opportunity to worship and grow in faith alongside others.

Ann loved her family deeply and cherished every opportunity to spend time with them, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed family gatherings, playing board and card games, and making memories with those she loved. Ann was also the queen of sending cards—thank-you cards, birthday cards, Christmas and seasonal cards, and cards “just because.” Sending a thoughtful note was one of the many ways she made people feel remembered and loved.

She was preceded in death by her husband, T.J. Van Houten; daughter, Zackie Lynn Van Houten Boen; and sister, Emily Sullivan Brown.

She is survived by her son, Tom Van Houten and daughter-in law, Mistie of Burleson, Texas; grandchildren, Jackson, Max, and Samantha Ann; great-granddaughter, Hazel; and sister, Faye Walker (Bobby) of Barnesville, Georgia. Sisters -in law Kathey Turner (Wendell), Marsha Van Houten; Linda Van Houten; Randee Van Houten; Mary Van Houten; numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorial Service

A memorial service will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at First United Methodist Church of Burleson, Texas. The family will receive friends beginning at 11:00 a.m. until the time of service.

Burial will take place at a later date at Fredonia Congregational Methodist Church in Barnesville, Georgia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her honor to First United Methodist Church of Burleson or to a charity of your choice.