Kay Howard

Kay grew up in Dallas and made Van Zandt County her home beginning in 1981. She married Benny Howard on December 31, 1983, and together they built a life filled with faith, family, service, and love.

Throughout her life, Kay embraced several careers, each reflecting her strong work ethic, organization, and heart for caring for others. She began her career with the City of Dallas as the Civil District Courts Manager before becoming a Registered Nurse at Baylor Medical Center, where she cared for patients for several years. After retiring and spending a few years traveling, Kay discovered that slowing down simply was not for her. In 2006, she began her third career as registrar and secretary to the principal at Canton Junior High, where she remained until her final retirement in 2021.

Serving others was not just something Kay did in her career—it was woven into who she was. She proudly served with the Dallas Firefighters Auxiliary for years and was a devoted supporter of the firefighting community. She dedicated countless hours volunteering with the Muscular Dystrophy Association and selflessly gave her time driving hospice patients to medical appointments, always finding ways to care for people in need.

Among Kay’s greatest joys were her family and her faith. She was a proud and devoted firefighter wife, treasured being an Aggie Mom, and loved being a grandmother more than words could express. Affectionately known as “Mimi,” she adored her grandchildren and cherished every moment spent with them. Kay was also an avid traveler who loved making memories and adventures, especially alongside her beloved cousins. Above all, Kay was a passionate follower of Jesus Christ, and her faith guided the way she lived, loved, and cared for others.

Mrs. Howard was preceded in death by her husband, Benny Howard; her parents, Sherman and Sarah Dimsdle; and two brothers, Harold W. Dimsdle and Tommy M. Dimsdle.

Kay is survived by her daughter, Sherri Ramirez; son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Mary Jeffrey; daughter, Erin Noel; son and daughter-in-law, Scott and Jennifer Howard; nine beloved grandchildren: Kyle, Kinsley, Hannah, Isabella, Brennan, McKenzie, Sydney, Avery, and Brooks; her brother and sister-in-law, Jerry and Susie Dimsdle; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

A celebration of Kay’s life will be held on Thursday, May 28, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. Services will be held at c|Life Church-Canton Campus, located at 28706 State Highway 64 in Canton, Texas.