Farewell, Jackie Lee - The End of an Era in Palm Springs

By Jorie Parr. File photos by Gordon Parr, with additional photos by Jorie, and by Nicholas Snow.

Nothing will be the same in the desert: the Queen is dead. Jackie Lee Houston left us on Sept.13, 2011.

When we arrived in Palm Springs a decade ago I was informed that Mrs. Houston was the No. 1 society leader. “And there is no No. 2.” As an all-encompassing philanthropist and tireless party giver, there’s no chance we will see the likes of her again.

Her loss quite frankly affects everyone we know. My favorite quote is something Molly Bondhus let fly recently. “Jackie Lee spreads fun.” As co-owner of the Wil Stiles boutique, Molly was accustomed to Mrs. Houston dropping in to buy presents. Like colorful snap-on watches for the stroke center people she supported.

I myself have several hats donated by Jackie Lee to Angel View thrift stores. I’ll wear them with reverence. See? You can’t even look in your damn closet without thinking of her.

Incredible generosity was her keynote. It’s getting toward Halloween now, about the time I’d be hanging around the mailbox praying for an invitation to the Houston annual Oct. 31 extravaganza. It was the best event of the year.

One cannot imagine how her husband and lover of more than a half-century is feeling. James Houston gave his self-made fortune to her to do as she so graciously pleased. It seems the young football star and the beauty queen had been destined for a lifelong romance.

...Jorie Parr

On behalf of Jorie, Gordon and myself, we are honored to present these photo memories of Mrs. Houston, or as all of us fondly called her, Jackie Lee.

...Nicholas Snow, Publisher