Bessie Howard

Mrs. Bessie (Bobbie) H. Howard, 83, wife of the late William (Bill) T. Howard, died Sunday, May 22, 2011 at Sunrise Assisted Living, 990 Waterford Drive, Frederick, MD.

Mrs. Howard was born in Kingsport, Tennessee, the daughter of the late Robert H. and Grace F. Hawk. She and her husband were married for 61 years. After the death of her husband in December, 2009 Bess continued to reside at Sunrise Assisted Living and actively made it her home. With her spirit, humor and compassion, she touched many hearts among residents, caregivers, and staff, and was an inspiration to always live life to the fullest.

Mrs. Howard is survived by a son, W. Thomas Howard of Golden, Colorado, and a daughter, Anne H. Blough and husband Brad, of Middletown, MD; one grandson, Jason H. Blough of Frederick, MD, one granddaughter, Kristen E. Blough, of Arlington, VA, and numerous nieces and nephews.

Mrs. Howard was a 1949 graduate of Madison College obtaining a BS degree, and a graduate of Western Maryland College obtaining a MA degree. Her entire career was as a teacher in Frederick County Public Schools, including Elm Street and Gov. Thomas Johnson. In the past years, she was member of the American Association of University Women, National, State and Local Teacher's Associations, Phi Delta Gamma (PSI Chapter), Delta Kappa Gamma (PSI and Gamma Chapters), and the Frederick Women's Civic Club. She is a member of the Bluestone Society at James Madison University, Frederick County Retired Teachers Association, Frederick Chapter of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and Fitzhugh Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Throughout the years, Mrs. Howard won championships in the Cresap Women's Rifle Club and was a three-year consecutive winner in the Maryland State Competitions, won top awards in the International Cake Exploration Society, was practiced in Tai Chi, and was an avid genealogist. With her strong Christian faith she was very active in the United Methodist Churches wherever she lived, and has been a member of Calvary United Methodist Church, Frederick since 1957.

A memorial service will be held at Calvary United Methodist Church, 131 W. 2nd St, Frederick, MD on Thursday, May 26, 2011 at 11:00 am followed by a reception in the Church social room. Rev. Harry C. Cole will officiate. Interment will be private.

Memorial conrtibutions may be made in Mrs. Howard's honor to the Memorial Fund of Calvary United Methodist at the above address.

Condolences may be shared with the family at www.keeneybasford.com.