Mrs. Bettye Jo Howard

It is with great sadness that the family of Bettye Jo Biddle Howard announce her passing. She left this world on March 23, 2023 at age 89. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend.

Bettye was born to William Floyd and Minnie Francis Biddle on January 15, 1934 in Rosston, Arkansas. After graduating from high school, Bettye chased her dreams to Texas where she got a job at an insurance company, taking the streetcar from the stop near her 2nd floor apartment in Oak Cliff to downtown Dallas every day. Though she had a roommate, money was often tight so Bettye shopped the bargain sales in the basement of Neiman Marcus and mixed hot water and ketchup to make ‘tomato soup’ at the luncheonette of her office building.

She returned to Arkansas and married Paul Winifred Howard on March 22,1952 when he convinced her to elope. They were married for 44 years until his death in 1996. Together, they had two children: Skylar Brent and Paula Gay. Married to a career Army serviceman and veteran of two wars, Bettye was a proud and supportive military wife. Her strength, character and determination enabled her to manage the responsibilities of both home and family while awaiting his return from multiple deployments.

A woman of many talents and interests, she loved reading Mary Higgins Clark books, collected recipes and angels, enjoyed watching golf, was a clever writer, and made the best chocolate cake in the world. Her greatest passion, however, was her family for whom she would have done anything.

Bettye was a well-loved member of the community at Brookdale – Oak Hollow Alzheimer’s and Dementia Care where she reigned as Bingo Queen. She was known for her sharp tongue and wicked sense of humor. Moreso, she was known for her sincere kindness, generocity and loving spirit.

Because Bettye enjoyed a long life, many of her family and friends have preceded her. She is survived by her two children, Skylar and Paula, her grandsons, Seth and Ethan, her brother, Billy Wayne Biddle and his wife Betty, and a host of nieces, nephews and friends. She will be greatly missed and remembered by the many lives she touched.

A Graveside service and Committal will be held at 2 p.m., Tuesday, March 28, 2023 at Bluebonnet Hills Memorial Park in Colleyville, Texas.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.bluebonnethills.com for the Howard family.