Beech Tree News Network

Linda Mae (Keown) Howard, 69, ended her 28-year breast cancer battle with Victory in Jesus, Wednesday, April 22, 2020, at her Newport News, VA home, surrounded by her loving family. Linda Howard was born November 22, 1950, in Morgantown, KY, daughter of Floyd and Lena Mae Keown. She was reborn in Christ and baptized at the First Baptist Church of Morgantown. She graduated Butler County High School, 1968. After marrying Michael (Mike) Howard on Aug 30, 1969, Linda worked while Mike finished college. Then she enjoyed raising their children (Staci and Lezlie) around the world as a devoted Air Force wife. No matter how early Mike’s flight schedule started, she made sure he had a good breakfast to go fly. She was always quick to turn any new assignment location into a home full of memories. She always had time to support the girls in their school activities and often decorated cakes or made unique dresses and costumes for special events. After various tours in Florida, Korea, New Mexico, Idaho, United Kingdom, they finally settled in Newport News, VA in 1989. Linda continued to support Mike and again was very involved in their daughters’ school, sports, and weddings. After the girls had their own families, Linda became Nana! She enjoyed supporting the grandchildren at school and sports activities. She woke up early every morning to send an encouraging text to each grandchild and her Sister’s grandchild (Aremani) to let them know she was thinking about them. Her favorite personal hobby was running, especially in the rain, and shopping for shoes or browsing for bargains at T.J. Maxx. Her least favorite thing was driving. Before the second round of cancer slowed her down in 2012, she would often jog 5 or even 10 miles to visit someone or just pick up some groceries.

Mom - I am so blessed to call you that! I got a perfect one, and my world will never be the same without you. You were the epitome of beauty, strength, humility, grace, and style. You were the heart of our family, and you were always there for us!!! I will miss being able to call you when I have a question or need advice, laughing with you at family dinners, watching a good show with you, having one of your amazing meals, celebrating my kids' milestones with you... Christmas will certainly be less bright - literally too ;) - without you. I'm sure the angels have already recruited you for their decorating committee. I'm forever grateful God gave me you. I love you to Heaven and back! Staci

My sweet and beautiful mother went to heaven today. My heart is breaking and I’m already missing her dearly. She battled breast cancer off and on for almost 30 years and you would hardly ever hear her complain. The past couple weeks were very hard for her and she was in a quite a bit of pain. A couple days ago I was talking to her as she was holding her head over a trash can feeling nauseous. I asked her how she does it? How she never complains or moans or says it isn’t fair. She looked up at me and said she has nothing to complain about because the Lord blessed her with the most perfect incredible life and she loved every minute of it. She said she was ready to go to heaven. I was in awe. I Love You mom to heaven and back. Lezlie

My beautiful sweet sister Linda Howard fought a long battle with cancer and today she won the battle. She has gone home to her Heavenly Father where there is no more pain or suffering for her. I can only imagine that she had that beautiful smile on her face … when she walked into heaven. Thank you for being the best sister!! I will miss you forever. Trisha

Her courageous life will forever be cherished by her husband, Mike; a daughter, Staci Klompenhouwer of Newport News, and her husband, Remco, and their three children, Emae, Tristan, and Anje; a daughter, Lezlie Elliott of Newport News, and her two children, Kynedi and Dylan Crawford, and Lezlie’s husband, Ronald (Bill) Elliott and his six children, Lacey, Shawnee, Ronald (Little Bill), Christian, Ella, and Preston Elliott; a sister, Trisha Lackey; and a host of devoted relatives and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; a brother, Timmy Keown; and a son, Brian. Due to COVID-19 circumstances, Pastor Jim Weston will officiate services for the family at their home followed by internment at Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Menchville Baptist Church at 248 Menchville Rd, Newport News, VA 23602 or online at https://www.menchvillebaptist.com/. Then click “Give”. To express condolences, visit http://www.wjsmithandsonfh.com/obits . Arrangements by W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home.