Marie Howard

Alma Marie Howard, beloved mother, Mimi, sister, and friend, passed away on Feb. 20, 2025 in Heath, Texas. Marie was born Sept. 30, 1948 in Little Rock, Arkansas, to Herbert, Sr., and Helen Hattie Valentine, both of whom met her in Heaven. Marie grew up in North Little Rock, Arkansas graduating from North Little Rock Senior High School in 1966. She attended college at Butler County Community College in Kittanning, Pennsylvania and then, after moving to Texas in 1986, she studied at Tarrant County Junior College in Ft. Worth with a focus on accounting. Beginning in 1987, Marie lived in Keller where, from 1990 to 1999, she worked as a high school substitute teacher in Keller ISD. She also owned and operated Howard Ink, a small publishing company, along with owning and operating a successful vending machine company, Cookies ‘n Pop. Since 2008, Marie was very active in the Republican Party and was deeply engaged in local politics, as well as serving as a citizen lobbyist. While a resident of Keller, she served as Precinct Chair #3054 from 2010-2014, and Area Leader for House District 98, from 2014-2018. Marie organized numerous educational events and candidate forums in Tarrant County to help every voter know their rights and responsibilities, and to be informed about the candidates running for each election. Marie was particularly proud of her accomplishment in being selected as an Alternate Delegate in the Republican Party Convention of 2016. Attending the Convention was a dream come true for Marie and the culmination of hard work and dedication to the voters and candidates for whom she tirelessly served. When not working or campaigning, Marie loved to read, shop at thrift stores for unique finds, spaghetti dinners with beloved family and walking Jody, her dog and loyal companion. She also enjoyed taking trips with family and friends, especially with the grandchildren to their favorite destination, Seaside, Florida. A woman of determination, unwavering dedication to what she believed, and a tough resolve to see things through, Marie was very loved and respected and will be forever missed by all who knew her. She leaves a legacy of love to be carried on by her son, Elliot Howard and wife, Lynne; daughter, Susan Howard-Howarth and husband, Robert; grandchildren: Elina and Elissa Howard and Brayden Howard; brother, Herbert “Buck” Valentine and wife, Linda; niece, Amy Valentine, as well as other extended family and many friends. Her family will receive friends at a gathering with light refreshments on Saturday, March 29, 2025 at 1:00 pm at the Keller Church of Christ, with Marie’s Celebration of Life service to begin at 2:00 pm. For those wishing, memorials in honor of Marie can be made to an organization close to her heart: the Dravet Syndrome Foundation at www.dravetfoundation.org. Dravet Syndrome is a rare and catastrophic seizure disorder that affects Marie's youngest granddaughter, Elissa.

Tributes

Marie Howard

September 30, 1948 - February 20, 2025