Mary Ann Richardson Howard

1935 - 2016

Mary Ann Richardson Howard obituary, 1935-2016

BORN

1935

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery

741 Danville Road SW

Decatur, Alabama

Mary Ann Howard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Sep. 26, 2016.

Mary Ann Richardson Howard was born in Tyler, Texas on January 27, 1935, to Mayme Joyce Duncan Richardson and Charles Clifton Richardson. The family later moved to Alabama when Mary Ann was very young.
From her early childhood in Montgomery, Alabama, she won trophies in swimming and art. She painted a mural for her grammar school that many viewed as adult work. She was a natural artist, with her own style, and saw colors and lines that no one else could.
Gaining employment with her artistic skill, she worked at Southern Sash located in Sheffield, Alabama. In 1958, Mary Ann was married to Charles Hugh Howard in Tuscumbia, Alabama. The couple soon thereafter located to Huntsville, Alabama where Mary Ann spent over fourteen years as a conceptual and technical illustrator for NASA at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.
Her artwork decorates the walls of public buildings, including the Smithsonian, and her paintings are in the homes of collectors. Her art won numerous awards at juried shows.

Her love of water, boating and swimming stayed with her for her entire life. She was a registered lifeguard, and taught swimming lessons for children.
The family located to Decatur to the house that has been their home since 1972. Mary Ann was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Decatur and was a former Sunday school teacher of high school students. She volunteered her time with the Girl Scouts sharing her knowledge of art. She later became a portrait artist capturing pets, people and buildings. She also was involved with the Friends of the Decatur Library.
She served as a member of the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Humanities, having been appointed by then Governor Fob James. She was a member and former officer of the Decatur Art Guild. She also taught art at Calhoun Community College.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Charles Hugh Howard, her daughter Hilary Howard Ross (Michael) of Birmingham, AL, grandchildren Hunter Duncan Ross, Charles Owen Ross, and Margaret Addison Ross, and her sister Dr. Margaret J. Koch, Iowa City, IA.

A memorial service honoring Mary Ann Howard will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Peggy A. McClure officiating and Roselawn Funeral Home Directing. Visitation will immediately follow in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Mary Ann Howard to Hospice of the Valley or the Clearview Cancer Institute so that others may benefit from your generosity. The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of the Valley and Sunbridge Home Health Care, Inc. for their excellent care and compassion.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for Mary Ann Howard

What is your first memory of Mary Ann?

Share a favorite memory you have of Mary Ann.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with Mary Ann.

Describe a time when Mary Ann made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about Mary Ann?

Talk about a shared experience you had with Mary Ann.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of Mary Ann.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving Mary Ann.

What is something you learned from Mary Ann?

Not sure what to say?

1 Entry

September 27, 2016

Bernice Isom

I will always cherish the sweet memories of Mary Ann, a classmate so very special, she was such a blessing in my life, as well as to all those who knew her. Love and God's blessings to you all!

Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results

Make a Donation
in Mary Ann Howard's name

Memorial Events
for Mary Ann Howard

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Roselawn Funeral Home and Cemetery

741 Danville Road SW, Decatur, AL 35601

How to support Mary Ann's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Mary Ann Howard's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more