Betty Jo Howe

Betty Jo Howe passed from this life to the next after a brief illness, on July 6, 2021, at home in the loving embrace of her family. Betty was born on January 29, 1936, in Troy, Alabama. She was raised in Montgomery, Alabama with her younger siblings Billy, Jimmy, and Sandy. Shortly after graduating from high school and while working in Montgomery, Betty met a young airman assigned to nearby Maxwell Air Force Base named William Owen Howe, a “Yankee” from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania marching in a Veterans Day Parade in November 1954. Quickly smitten with each other, they were married on February 5, 1955 in a civil ceremony before family.

Thus began an incredible romance, partnership and lifetime adventure that lasted for more than 55 years until William’s passing in April 2010. Betty led a big life living all over the United States as well as overseas in France and England as she supported her husband’s career as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. Always a willing and supportive partner in the many moves and activities required of a military family, Betty made a wonderful home for her husband and her four very lucky children William Jr., Pamela, David, and Michael. Regardless of where “home” might be located Betty was the center of it for both her husband and children. As a military wife, she often managed the feat of running a household and taking care of her kids alone as William deployed around the world in the service of his country in some cases for months or years at a time. Betty provided the essential continuity and love for her family to succeed and prosper, often alone and far from the support of any extended family. Betty rose to the challenge, and she thrived, her family thrived--such was the strength, courage, and love of Betty for her husband and children. Further testament to her efforts and success are the fact that all of her children went on to have successful careers; one son retiring from the Air Force, one from the Marine Corps and one from the Coast Guard, and her daughter from George Mason University.

Her husband William retired from the Air Force after a long and successful 30-year career in 1978. In 1987, after a relatively brief career in the defense industry, Bill and Betty made one last move from Northern Virginia to Pensacola, Florida for a well-deserved final retirement. Shortly after Bill’s death in April 2010, Betty returned to Northern Virginia to be near her two oldest children Bill Jr. and Pamela. Ever independent, Betty maintained her own two-bedroom apartment at an independent living complex in Manassas, Virginia where she enjoyed the numerous activities of nearby family and friends. Betty will be greatly missed and is survived by all four of her children, eight grandchildren and one great grandchild.

Fittingly, Betty will be honored and buried alongside her husband William, the love of her life, at Arlington National Cemetery at a future date yet to be determined. Betty’s unique love story and partnership will continue eternally as will her legacy of true love, dedication to her family and a willingness to embrace living a full and happy life.