Beautiful inside and out, Violet Howe was blessed with a strong faith, bright smile, good sense of humor and a keen mind. Even at 95, Violet continued to capture the hearts of those she met until Saturday, September 12, 2026, where she departed for her eternal home. She shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with everyone she met in the hospital.
Violet Marie Howe was born to Walter and Katy Beck in Philadelphia, MS on June 2, 1931. Growing up as a farmer’s daughter she developed a strong work ethic and a love of gardening. Violet met and married Norvelle Palmer. Not long after being blessed with their son Floyd, Norvelle was tragically killed in a car crash. In order to make ends meet, Violet moved to Midland, TX to work as switchboard operator for the telephone company. With her vibrant personality and strong work ethic, she quickly moved to a supervisor role. Needing daycare for Floyd, she found a loving and caring grandmother, Beulah Jones, who also happened to run a boarding house. Quickly Floyd befriended a man living there and along with Beulah’s encouragement they managed to convinced the young man to ask Violet out. The young man, Charles T. Howe was immediately smitten with her. Later Charles asked Violet to marry resulting in a beautiful love-filled life for 64 years. Charles adopted Floyd and later had 2 daughters, Alisa Howe and Ann Marie Howe. Violet continued to work throughout her life in Midland, shifting from the telephone company to a receptionist at Forest Oil and then gaining employment as a bookkeeper and secretary for George R Gibson. Due to her meticulous nature and attention to detail she worked there for over 25 years. During their time in Midland, Violet continued her love of gardening winning numerous awards for flower arrangement while a member and president of the Garden Club and creating a beautiful yard to be enjoyed daily. Violet also loved teaching Sunday School to the three-year olds at First Baptist Church in Midland.
After retirement, Charles and Violet moved to San Antonio, TX where she became active with the seniors at Castle Hills First Baptist Church. While in San Antonio, she continued her love of gardening, cooking, and needlepoint until just shy of her 90th birthday. Eventually Violet was unable to manage her home alone, but was incredibly blessed to find herself under the excellent care in the loving home of Elena and Florian Negru.
Violet’s ability to make friends and family feel welcome through her delicious dishes, hospitality and love leaves a legacy that we aspire to.
Violet is survived by her daughter, Alisa Lane, son-in-law John R. Lane, Jr.; daughter, Ann Marie Mayer; grandchildren, Robert Howe, Lisa Bond (James Bond husband), Amanda Griffin (Jonathan Griffin husband), Jamie Mayer, and Stalina Mayer; along with 7 great grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, October 9th at Noon in the Chapel of Porter Loring 2012 North Loop 1604 East, San Antonio, Tx.
In lieu of flowers, those who wish may make a memorial donation to In Our Arms Caregiver Network in memory of Violet Howe ( https://www.julihenderson.com/donate-2026 ).
