Debra Elaine Howard

Debra Elaine [Tollison] Howard lived her life as a true free spirit, she is the epitome of a Colorado cowgirl. The daughter of Lillie Mae and Billie Keith Tollison, she enjoyed a childhood rich in southern roots and her adult life wrangling in the Wild West. Deb breathed, drank, ate, slept, and dreamed of all things horses and mules. Her favorite smell in the whole world was horse. She was a true anchor in the horse scene and equine community in the Colorado area.

If you were lucky enough to be called a friend by Deb, then you were her friend for life. There wasn’t anything that she wouldn’t do to help a loved one or those in need. Deb often and frequently would feed the homeless, clothe the poor, rescue the needy, and help heal the sick. There wasn’t a four legged critter around that she wouldn’t try to help or bring home if it needed somewhere to go.

Deb was born in Detroit, Michigan on October 27, 1954, grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and in 1975 moved to Colorado Springs with her two young children. It is there that she met and married the love of her life, Jim Howard with whom she shared 28 years of marriage. They enjoyed their dream of developing property in Westcliffe, Colorado where they could ride their horses and mules, explore with their dogs, and enjoy many nights laughing by the campfire with loved ones.

Deb courageously fought a year-long battle with cancer, her spirit never daunted. She showed nothing but kindness, love, and a positive outlook throughout her difficult journey. On November 13, 2014 her soul released her physical body to ascend to heaven to rejoice with her heavenly Father.

She is survived by her husband, James Howard, daughter Monica and husband Jason Bohanon, son Jonathon Blancett and wife Jamie, four grandsons – Khorbin, Matthew, Cole, & Connor, mother Lillie Mae Tollison, Sister Janis and husband Joseph Swafford, brother Keith Tollison, and multiple members of a large, loving family. Memorial Service is scheduled for 3:00pm November 21, 2014 at Swan Law Funeral Home.

Deb had a loving nature for all things, she wore her heart on her shoulder. She always had a smile on her face and a sweet twinkle in her eyes. Deb was a gentle lady, a southern lady, a God loving woman, a true cowgirl. Deb Howard will be sorely missed.