Linda Sawyer Howell

Linda Howell left us at 12 noon on July 2nd 2024, with her husband by her side, holding her hands, telling her it was ok, to just let go, it was time. After 58 years of marriage, 2 children, 2 grandchildren and thousands of elementary students she had taught and loved, she was tired and was ready for a rest.

Linda was born in Lakeview Iowa and was lucky enough to spend her summers growing up in Lakeview with her younger sister, swimming in the lake and sharing many happy memories with the local kids, following her fathers work. She grew up in Bunkie, Louisiana with parents, Marvin Delassouer Sawyer and Bessie Blankinship Sawyer. Linda had one brother, Ronald Sawyer (Nancy), four sisters, Peggy Parker (Lawrence), Carmen Roy (Richard) and Enid Omara (Bill).

Linda attended Bunkie High School and then Northwestern University in Natchitoches Louisiana where she received her degree in Elementary Education. This had been her childhood dream and as soon as she graduated, she moved to New Orleans with a friend to begin teaching 1st grade. And it was in New Orleans that she met the man she fell in love with Dean Howell, and they were married soon thereafter in New Orleans. She continued her teaching in Baton Rouge and then continued when the family moved to Houston 12 years later, where she taught in the Spring Branch ISD to complete a total of 55 years teaching. After she retired, she then did substitute teaching in the were CY-FAIR ISD until Covid interrupted the schools.

Linda and Dean were blessed with a son, Robert (Rob) Howell (Zelda) and Deanne (Robert) and three grandchildren, Zachary, Robin, and Farris. Linda was also blessed that all of her family lived within 15 minutes of our home and she was very closed to all of them.

A Private Celebration of Linda’s life will be held in September for family and friends. She is missed by her family and friends and it is no small thing to hear the following comment when is heard when someone is about to tear up “I am sure she is holding class for her some students up there as we speak”.