Carolyn Ann Howard

Carolyn Ann Howard, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, and friend, passed away on May 29, 2026, at Mt. Carmel East Hospital in Columbus, Ohio. She was born on February 26, 1942, in Columbus, Ohio.

Carolyn was the eldest daughter of Pearl H. Johnson and Lucille Geddis and grew up on a farm in Canal Winchester. She attended The Ohio State University and built a life centered around faith, family, and service to others.

She worked at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Groveport and was a Sunday School teacher and later the director, as well as the secretary. Carolyn was also the owner of The Log Cottage in Lithopolis, Carolyn’s Country Children and First Friends. She was honored as a Track Queen and Foster Parent of the Year and was an active member of St. Matthew Catholic Church.

Carolyn loved sewing doll clothes and creating all types of dolls and crafts. She enjoyed knitting, making afghans for her children and grandchildren, cross-stitching, canning, and spending time in her flower beds. She was well known for her family gatherings, baking cookies, and preparing dinner for those she loved. Carolyn was the queen of entertaining and especially enjoyed spending time at the lake, whether in Apple Valley or at her Florida home.

A woman of deep faith, Carolyn was known for her loving heart and unwavering dedication to her family. She cherished her husband, children, grandchildren, siblings, in-laws, nieces, nephews, adopted children, foster children, friends, and everyone she welcomed into her life. She served as a foster parent for more than 25 years and opened her home to over 100 children. Even on difficult days, Carolyn remained positive and was always ready to provide food, clothing, comfort, and shelter to anyone in need.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Timothy T. Howard; her mother, Lucille Geddis; her father, Pearl H. Johnson; her brother, Pearl W. Johnson, Jr.; her son, Thomas Howard; her daughter, Christina Howard; and her granddaughter, Jennifer Howard.

Carolyn is survived by her children, Joseph (Delores) Stephens, Timothy M. (Marianne) Howard, Michelle Howard, Ted Howard, Travis (Marci) Howard, Trent (Lynn) Howard, Cheryl Howard and her fiancé, Ernest White; 23 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; her stepmother, Darlene Johnson; her siblings, James (Carol) Johnson, Marilyn (Doug) Toole, Kathryn (Susan) Johnson, Sandy Johnson, and Stephanie (Dan) Presser; and her beloved pets, Jenny, Lilly, and Rosey.

Carolyn will be remembered for her cooking, her family gatherings, her open heart, and the love she shared so freely with everyone around her. Most of all, she will be remembered for the loving heart that carried her all the way to her last breath.

Family and friends may gather for visitation on June 6, 2026, at 1:30 p.m., with Mass beginning at 2:00 p.m. at St. Matthew Catholic Church, 807 Havens Corners Road, Columbus, Ohio 43230.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105 USA. Donations may be made online at [email protected]