Bezelle Howard

Bezelle affectionately known as ‘Mama Howard’ was born on January 25, 1920 in Wilmot, Arkansas to Green and Estella Lynch. She lived the longest of all of her siblings, passing on April 3, 2013 at the age of 93. The following siblings preceded her in death (Rosie Lee Robinson, Mamie Penn, Jennie B. Polk, D.C. Lynch, John Lynch, Robert Lynch, and Buster Lynch).

After completing grade school she began working the fields full-time to help her family. She was strong and a great help to her mother. She learned to keep house well and take care of children which she did for her entire life. In 1943 she married John Louis Howard Sr. and to this union 15 children were born. As they began to build their life together they moved west to Las Vegas and then settled in Vanport, OR. In 1948 a flood displaced many people from the town and they finally settled in Portland.

Her strong faith goes back to the days when she attended Mallory Avenue Church of Christ. She would always say that God was keeping her here this long for a reason. There are many words to describe Mama Howard. She was amazingly strong, had a heart of gold and shared her wisdom and inspiration with anyone she came in contact with. Her love was unconditional and she demonstrated that by the way she loved. Her lap was always full holding one of the many grandchildren that would come through the door. She radiated a vibrant spirit and a contagious light that would draw you in as a part of her extended family.

Mama Howard was a homemaker and her door was always open to anyone in need. She also loved to entertain family and friends – no one was denied a meal on Ivy Street. She found joy in cooking for her family and some of her signature dishes included greens, sweet potato pies and her famous dressing. She also loved to watch sports and was an avid Trailblazer and Seahawks fan.

Mama Howard was a lover of beautiful things from the plants and flowers our Creator has made, to the finest clothing and of course the hats. One of her great-great granddaughters affectionately called her “The Hat Lady”. Other grandchildren would bring her their plants and flowers for her to bring back to life. She would gladly show where she planted them in the yard and remembered who gave them to her. Mama Howard remained active and independent for most of her life and had a very sharp memory. One of her favorite sayings was “all you have to do is keep on living” – her wisdom was simple yet profound.

Mama Howard raised 15 children and 7 preceded her in death (Patricia Lynn, Roland, John, Barbara, Fred, Melvin, Josh). She leaves to cherish her memory Sons: Samuel and Richard Howard of Portland, OR and Craig Howard of Tualatin, OR; Daughters: Willie Faye Birmingham of Kansas City, MO, Bertha Lynch-Lovincey of Portland, OR, Rita Howard of Seattle, WA, June Howard Johnson (Nicholas) and Lisha Howard of Portland, OR; and a host of grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.