Carol Pope Howerton

Carol Pope Howerton passed away peacefully on Jan 12, 2021 in Alexandria, Virginia. She was 86 years old. She is survived by Elton C. Howerton Jr. (Cig), her husband of 64 years; her children and their wives, Cal and Denise Howerton, John and Nancy Howerton; her grandchildren, Jack and Tyler Howerton; her brother and his wife, Buddy and Alice Pope; and her sister, Tudie Midyette. Carol was born in Waterbury, CN., to John and Minnie Reid Pope in 1934. The family soon relocated to Hopewell, VA where Carol spent most of the early part of her life. She was the second of the three Pope children. Carol married Cig Howerton in 1956. His work career took them to South Carolina, Florida and ultimately to Alexandria, VA where they lived for over 55 years. Carol received her high school diploma from Hopewell HS and later graduated from Mary Washington College. She also completed a Master’s Degree in Education from George Mason University. Carol was a career educator, starting out at the high school level and then moving on to elementary school. Most of her teaching years were in the Fairfax County Public School system. She was also a Gifted Talented teacher in FCPS who traveled between multiple elementary schools each week to work with the top students. Throughout her career, she challenged her pupils and encouraged them to be the best they could be. Many former students have returned over the years to thank her for being a positive influence in their lives. Carol met her closest friends during her teaching career in FCPS and they called themselves the “Beach Bums”. For over 50 years they celebrated birthdays, anniversaries and life together. Every summer they would make a group trip to the beach for fun in the sun. They would often go to Carol’s beloved condo in Virginia Beach, a place that she adored. The Howerton’s were a true sports family, and Cig and Carol attended nearly all of their two sons’ athletic events in little league, high school and the college football years. When the grandsons came along, the game attendance continued through both boys’ college football careers. Carol had a strong faith in God and loved her church, Aldersgate United Methodist in Alexandria, VA. She was a 50+ year member there, sang in the church choir, participated in worship groups, and was part of various church planning committees. Another passion for Carol was the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR). She was a member of the Kate Waller Barrett chapter and held numerous local, state and national leadership positions. Carol was also a Docent at Gunston Hall and at the National Gallery of Art. She belonged to the Mount Vernon Country Club and enjoyed playing bridge and golf. Carol was a tireless dynamo, very creative, a planner and an eternal optimist. She was always on the go and didn’t want to miss out on anything. She loved her Mustang Convertible and always drove one. She was the glue and the spark in all family events, the life of the party, and just wanted everyone to be together. Family, church and her friends were Carol’s greatest loves. A private family memorial service will be held at Demaine’s Funeral Home in Alexandria, VA on Feb 14, 2021 at Noon. Interment at Blandford Cemetery in Petersburg, VA will take place on Feb 20, 2021 at 1:00pm and will also be a private family service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Carol’s memory to Aldersgate United Methodist Church, 1301 Collingwood Rd, Alexandria, VA 22308 or to the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, Development Office, 1776 D Street NW, Washington, DC 20006. Online donations in Carol’s memory to the DAR can be made at: www.dar.org/giving/ways-give/donate-online.