Pearl “Lou” Howard
1932 - 2020
Pearl Louvinia Howard, age 87, passed away on April 11, 2020. Pearl was born on December 1, 1932 in Kimball, WV to Josh Thomas and Mary Ethel Burks King.
A strongwilled, loving woman, her endless heart gave with passion and an intimacy that was unmatched. If you wanted or needed something that Pearl had, whether it broke her or not, she willingly offered. As a young teenage preachers’ daughter, she caught the eye of Waldon. He would attend church, sitting on the back row tossing things to catch her attention during the service. Waldon was “straight outta the holler”, but they were in love, and it would last the rest of their lives. After she turned 17, they married on December 12. 1949, later being blessed with 3 children. Moving to Southeast Texas in the 80s for work, they found a welcome home in Jasper, TX. To the family she loved, she played many roles. As the “Candy Lady”, she kept an ample supply of treats in her home from Twinkies and assorted candies to Ring Ding Jr. While her candies and treats served as a snack, Pearl’s cooking was abundant and special. Her meatloaf, chili and other recipes were made in excess for everyone. “Granny Pearl” was a proud grandmother, caring for her grandkids with the same sugary, candied affection that she had shown her own children. Her caretaking ways led to a 20 plus year career as a Certified Nursing Assistant. After the salvation of her son, Dennis, her youthful faith reignited, Pearl dusted off her Bible and read it through. She would spend many of her last years preaching to her family and imparting the love of the Gospel, daily sharing scriptures that had a touched her. Though she is gone, the love that she shared and gave will forever be remembered and cherished by her many loved ones.
Left to honor her memory is her daughter, Sheila Peters and husband, Butch, of Roanoke, VA; son, Dennis Howard and wife, Phyllis, of Jasper, TX; 13 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; 4 great-great grandchildren; close friend, Mrs. Joe Maddox ; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.
Pearl is preceded in death by her loving husband, Waldon Russell Howard Sr.; son, Waldon Russell Howard Jr.; her parents; and sister, Maggie Rose.
Private services are being held by her family, and her burial will be at Olds Cemetery in Erin, Jasper County, Texas.
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