Mrs. Howard was a church secretary for a while but was affectionately given the title, “Domestic Engineer”, by her son, Doug. She loved to cook and made the best “sweet” tea around. Mrs. Howard became “Mom” to anyone the kids brought into their home. She loved all her “grand dogs”, “grand cats”, and “grand horses”. She enjoyed playing cards with her friends and sat on the bleachers for her kids’ horse shows and cheered for everyone. She had an infectious smile and was blessed with the “gift of gab”. She was very engaging in conversation, but being a good listener, usually turned the conversation to the one with whom she was talking to find out more about them. She loved well – was well-loved – and will be deeply missed.
Mrs. Howard is predeceased by her father, William Howard Collins; mother, Mary Frances (Power) Collins; sister, Billie Carol Alphin; and son, Robert Douglas Howard. She is survived by her husband of 66 years, Robert Keith Howard; daughters Kimberly L. (Howard) Bradley (David Capley) and Tambra R. “Tammy” (Howard) Russell (Tom); grandchildren Luke Bradley, Tiffany Holman, Sean Russell, Hannah Russell, Ty Russell; five great grandchildren; “Raspy”, her feline companion, and “Mendy” her canine companion; as well as numerous loved nieces and nephews.
There will be a Gathering of Family & Friends at Hermitage Funeral Home on Wednesday, June 28, from 4pm – 8pm and Thursday, June 29, from 12pm – 1pm. A Celebration of Life will begin at 1pm on Thursday in the Tulip Grove Room at the funeral home with Brother Charles Allen, officiating. Following the service, Mrs. Howard will be laid to rest in the Garden of Faith at Hermitage Memorial Gardens.
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