Patricia Ann Howard - Obituary

 

Patricia Ann Howard (1931-2024) Patricia Ann Howard, 92, of Harrisonville, Missouri, died at home on April 6, 2024. She was born in Galesburg, Missouri on April 18, 1931, to parents William and Vallie (Williams) Miller. Patricia married Robert Howard in 1950, and they were married for 59 years. Together they had 3 children--Larry Howard (Cathy), Jacque Baker (John), and Julie Bartley (Den), 13 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren, and shortly before her death, Patricia learned she would soon have her first great great grandchild. She was preceded in death by her husband Robert Howard, son Larry Howard, and daughter Jacque Baker. She is survived by her daughter-in-law Cathy Howard, son-in-law John Baker, and daughter Julie Bartley and son-in-law Den. Though mostly known as Pat in her later years, she had many other nicknames: Pattie, Mom, Granny, Grandma, until the birth of her first great grandchild earned her the title “GG Ma,” short for “Great Grandma.” Eventually, that title got shortened even more to the affectionate “GG” that we all came to know and love. Pat was a member of Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch. She loved being at church and enjoying the fellowship with family and friends. One of her greatest joys was discussing the gospel of Jesus Christ with anyone willing to listen. Even into her 90s, she continued to study and learn as much as she could and was often heard expounding on her latest understandings of scripture. She also cherished the sacred hymns of our Lord and enjoyed singing them and listening to them, and as the opportunities arose, would lift her voice in song with the church choir or other musical offerings. Always a generous soul, Pat was willing to help someone in need in whatever way she possibly could. She employed many a willing grandchild or great grandchild in order to give them opportunities they may never have gotten any other way. In doing so, she taught them valuable skills such as budgeting, work ethic, stewardship, the importance of saving money, and that a job worth doing is worth doing well. Pat loved to have fun. While spending time with her family, she was often found bantering back and forth with her sons in law, claiming that “if you weren’t picked on, you weren’t loved.” She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her. A memorial service will be held in Pat’s honor on May 4, 2024, at 10am at Waldo Avenue Restoration Branch.