Lula Janelle Howard

Lula “Janelle” Howard, lovingly known as Memaw, passed away peacefully surrounded by her family. She was born on February 12, 1933, in Sylvania, Georgia. She married Willis Wayne Howard in November 1951 and moved to Kiefer, Oklahoma. She was a proud member of the Order of the Eastern Stars in Keifer, Oklahoma, where she served alongside her beloved husband, who was a dedicated Mason. Together, they shared a commitment to faith, fellowship, and service to others.

In August 1965, her husband was transferred to Houston, Texas with Exxon where she at that time obtained employment as a hairdresser by profession, Lula had a gift for making others feel beautiful inside and out until retiring in 1987 and moving to Lake Sommerville. A few years later she moved to Caldwell, Tx. and lived there for the past 34 years, a place she loved dearly and where she was cherished by all who knew her.

Lula was a devoted mother to her son’s Jesse Howard, Louis “Frank” Howard & wife Debbie Howard, daughter Gayla Howard Zientek, and husband, Norman. She was a proud and loving grandmother to Justin Howard and his wife, Annel, Kristi Zientek, Kevin Zientek & wife Kayla, Travis Belles and his wife, Brenna, Jeff Belles, Louis “Beau” Howard Jr. & wife Emily, Elisabeth Markwartz, & Joseph “Joe” Howard.

She also leaves behind (14) beloved great-grandchildren, who were a source of endless joy and pride. Her family was her greatest joy, and she filled their lives with warmth, laughter, and unconditional love.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Willis Wayne Howard; her parents, Louie Reginal Smoak, and Daisy Smoak; her daughter, Rozena Howard; her son, Louis Frank Howard; her daughter-in-law, Debbie Howard; and her grandson, Jeff Belles.

Lula had many passions throughout her life. She loved flowers, sewing, and creating countless quilts and blankets for her loved ones — each one stitched with care and filled with her love. She also had a deep affection for animals, once running her own animal farm filled with nearly every kind of animal you could imagine. And if you were ever feeling sick or under the weather, you could always count on a warm bowl of her potato soup or chicken soup to make everything better.

Her sweet smile, caring heart, and gentle spirit touched everyone she met. She lived her life with kindness, grace, and a deep love for her family, friends, and animals. Lula leaves behind a legacy of love, compassion, and creativity that will continue to warm the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.