For her last 10 years she battled the devastatingly slow loss of memories due to Alzheimers.
Even though she couldn't remember, she lead a full life, loved her friends at roller skating rinks growing up in Georgia and Tennessee, and cherished time spent at Peace College in Raleigh. Her 38 years of service to NC State University as a Certified Professional Secretary for Food Sciences, Biological Sciences and the Chancellor’s Office are celebrated today.
Barbara cherished creating moments and memories that would empower and inspire both her and her son. She worked after hours typing 100s of PhD Thesis papers so vacations and summer camps were possible.
As a single mom, with her 10 year old in-tow, they boarded an overnight bus to Chicago in the middle of the 1968 riotous Democratic Convention. In 1976 the two made their first overseas journey to Finland. These life changing trips are memories created by a lady who understood the power of action, growth, and passion. In spite of her nervousness, she sowed the seeds of adventure, as only a nurturing mom can. She continuously pushed for doing better, thinking better and acting better.
She lived life by example, pushing through disappointment and troubles, believing inner strength can last a lifetime if properly nurtured, and how one acts and thinks when no one is watching is what matters most.
Barbara loved to create with her hands. Hours spent spinning, knitting, sewing and weaving provided her joy, and no Saturday was complete without hours in fabric stores and patterns shops. She understood how dovetailing fabric stores with sports for a 12 year old boy would inspire a balanced and creative soul.
When she passed, the disease had robbed her of her memories. Memories of a life that was full and successful in all the right ways - spiritual, as a life-long member of Forest Hills Baptist Church; joyful in her thoughts; creative with her hands; and loving with her actions toward others. Honoring the memories that Alzheimers destroyed will lift us up and carry us forward as she is at finally at peace.
Caring for a family member with this disease is a team effort, and the family would like to thank “Team Barbara” (Joyce, Alma, Rachel, Pam, Julie, Heather, Misty, Brian, and so many more) for all their dedication, love and support.
Mom is predeceased by her parents, Charles and Nilla Cox of Raleigh; her husband Arthur L Howard Jr.; a son, Charles Edward Howard, who died at birth. She is survived by her son, Art Howard and his partner Elizabeth Byrd.
Celebration of Life Service is Thursday, April 18 at 2:00pm at Forest Hills Baptist Church, 201 Dixie Trail, Raleigh. Private Graveside Service at Raleigh Memorial Park
In lieu of flowers, please give to Alzheimers NC (alz.org) , Transitions of Wake County or plant a tree.
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