Mary Virginia Howard, 100, virtually a lifelong resident of Jasper County, died at 6:36 am, July 18, 2021, after a long illness. She was born near La Russell, Missouri on December 3, 1920, to A.W. Michael, Sr. and Lola Funk Michael. She was one of seven children.
She graduated from Carthage High School with the class of 1937 and later attended Rudes Business College. She married Ralph Howard on October 22, 1939; he preceded her in death on September 24, 2002.
She was associated with her husband in the operation of Howard Oil Company for ten years. January 1, 1950, they purchased the Buick agency from the late Tom Hockett and Gerald Whittenburg. They operated the business as a partnership until 1979 when they took their children into business with them and became known as Howard Buick Co. Inc. In 1979 they purchased the Oldsmobile agency from the late Scooter Parsons and Philip Pugh. In 1984 they acquired the Chevrolet dealership and became known as Howard Buick, Oldsmobile & Chevrolet Inc. She retired from this business in 1990 and the business was sold in 1999.
She was a member of First Baptist Church, the Faith Sunday School class, the Morgan Heights Pep Club, and McCune Brooks Hospital Auxiliary. She was a Red Cross volunteer for 35 years serving at McCune Brooks Hospital and as canteen chairman for Eastern Jasper County for 30 years.
She was preceded in death by her husband Ralph Howard, her son Gary Howard, her parents and five brothers.
Surviving are two sons, David (Nadine) Howard, and Stephen (Judy) Howard; two daughters, Judy (Gary) Howard Rimer, and Mary (Gary) Allison, all of Carthage; sister, Loretta Page of Carthage; 9 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren.
Funeral services will be held 2 pm, Thursday, July 22, 2021, at the First Baptist Church, Carthage. Burial will follow the service at Park Cemetery, Carthage. The family will receive friends from 6-8 pm, Wednesday, July 21, 2021, at Knell Mortuary, Carthage. Memorial gifts are suggested to Gideons International in care of Knell Mortuary. Online condolences may be expressed through www.knellmortuary.com. Arrangements are under the direction and personal care of Knell Mortuary.
