Heaven's New Angel

In June we lost a very special person to our family. "Ma" - my grandmother, James' great-grandmother, Dad's mama -  her time on Earth came to an end, and although we were all deeply sadden by her passing, we were all happy for her as we know she is reunited with all of her very best friends and our Pop and Adeline (my great-grandmother, her mother) who have been waiting for her for some time up in heaven. 

Ma, you were a very special woman. You lead by example in every way possible, and I will forever be grateful for all the amazing things you taught me over the years. You never let ANYTHING slow you down. Before you had your stroke you were always doing everything for anyone who would let you. You never once complained about getting old, or any aches and pains. You always made the most of EVERYTHING and I hope I will be doing the same as I age.

I will cherish the memories we have from making s'mores in Fountain Inn, going swimming and looking for sand dollars at Fripp to my very first airplane ride to California when I was really young to our "girls trip" to New York after I graduated high school. 

I will forever love you Ma, and I'm so thankful that James was able to know you for the two years he did. We enjoyed visiting you at the Cascades and playing with all your "toys" in your room :). Hope you are having fun playing bridge, dancing with pop and telling stories to everyone in heaven. 

Below are a few pictures from the past couple years, Gigi's amazing eulogy that she delivered graveside the day of her burial and Ma's obituary. 

Gigi's Eulogy for Ma (it was delivered perfectly - thanks again Gigi):

My mother was a world class teacher. Although she was a trained educator - her greatest lessons were not academic - they were practical lesson taught by her example. She possessed an amazing work ethic. Over the years, we have heard countless times “I would never have gotten through school if it had not been for our mother.” After retiring from over 30 years in teaching, she began a new career - as a project manager for our many renovation projects - as Cboy’s manager and driver - as an organizer of trips to Fripp Island with her dear friends, organizer of bridge games and events for her grandchildren. Quite simply, she could do everything.

From these examples, she taught us the value in hard work. She also taught us the value of a dollar. Known for being frugal, she shopped constantly for bargains. Sometimes she couldn’t pass up a really good deal - whether she needed it or not. Someone could use it one day. Growing up if Hunter or Jimmy needed a new pair of shoes, they could go to the attic and choose from the rack she had set up for shoes. There still remains a pair of size 14 they never grew into - if anyone can use them, she would love nothing more than to find them a home. Unfortunately, Jimmy and I learned this lesson a little too well and our attics/garages reflect our treasure hunting bargains.

Momma was also very demanding - she worked hard and expected the same. She was famous for saying “Just 1 more thing I want you to look at before you go” Inevitably this would involve another hour or 2 of working at her direction. Hunter learned this lesson a little too well. He has caught himself saying these exact words to his children. She adored her grandchildren and they carry on some of her best traits: HUNTER - you can do it all, just like Ma and we depend upon you for so much. CRAIG - you fiercely love your children and constantly provide them with adventures - just like Hunter, Jimmy and I experienced when we were young. FRAN - you have Ma’s sense of style and sassiness. NANCY - you love the country and this area where Ma grew up and you have her talent for the good bargains. CAM - you are decisive and organized, you can plan a party like no one else. She loved each of you and also the spouses you chose. 

Momma taught us to face adversity and life “head on”. Long before the phrase “keep calm and carry on” became popular, her practical mantra was “MOVE ON” she was not one to waller in self pity or doubt. Momma fell and broke her foot at the Cascades a little over a year ago. When Richard Dubose, her favorite therapist, went on and on telling her how sorry he was. She looked him straight in the eyes and even though her speech was very limited she very clearly said “MOVE ON.” Move on meant accepting what had happened and then going forward by working hard with a positive attitude. And she moved on with an unending positive attitude - and she expected the same from us.

Perhaps the most intense emotion everyone shares is “LOSS”. Momma taught by example how to handle loss. She suffered many losses - the loss of her parents, the loss of my father, the loss of her mobility and speech, and the loss of many of her dearest friends. Through all of theses life changing events she showed graciousness, dignity, humor and perseverance. Always acknowledging the loss but then “moving on” - and she expected the same.She taught us the value of friendship. For over 30 years, she met a group of her Furman classmates for lunch every month. She showed how much she cared in good and bad times by just being PRESENT. 

Momma - Thursday night, I watched as Hunter, III, your 1st grandchild, held your hand and with such strength and courage told you he was a better person because of all you taught him. I hope that we have learned your lessons well and know that we are all better people and the people we are today because of all the things you have taught us and the example you have been to us. We will always love and remember you and then MOVE on. Move on as better children, better grandchildren and friends. 

Ma's obituary: 

Jean Garrison Howard, 86, died Saturday, June 8, 2013, at the Cascades in Greenville after three years of declining health following a stroke. She was born in Piedmont, daughter of the late Leland and Adeline Griffin Garrison. She was predeceased by her husband of 54 years Samuel Hunter Howard. 

She is survived by her children Hunter and Martha Howard of Simpsonville, Jimmy Howard of Seneca, and Jeanne Howard of Greenville; five grandchildren and their spouses, Hunter and Joy Howard of Greenville, Craig and Tricia Howard of Columbia, Fran and David Cook of Columbia, Cam and Jimmy Larson of Atlanta, Georgia, and Nancy and Aaron Lucas of Piedmont; and eight great grandchildren, Gracie, Adeline and Hunt Howard, Hamilton, Zan and Hugh Howard, Ellie Cook, and James Larson. 

Mrs. Howard was a 1948 graduate of Greenville Woman’s College (later Furman University) and received her master’s in counseling from the University of Georgia. She was a longtime educator and retired as a guidance counselor at Bryson Middle School in Simpsonville. Jean was a member of Alpha Delta Kappa, an honorary sorority for women educators. A member of Fountain Inn First Baptist Church, she was active in the Sara Patterson Sunday School Class.

Jean loved her family, the beach, playing bridge and her friends. In addition to being a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, she will be remembered as a loyal friend, devoted spouse and a tireless worker for anyone with a need. 

The family will receive friends on Sunday, June 9, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 313 N. Main Street, Simpsonville.