Roma Ethel Howard

Roma Ethel Elliott Howard was born on September 5, 1930.

She passed from this life on January 10 ^th , 2022.

Roma was preceded by: her mother, Myrtle Ethel Faulkner-Elliott and father, Ivan Cicero Elliott,

her brothers - Thearon, Jim, and Joe, and sisters - Opal, Nell, and Ruthie, her first husband Harland Allen, second husband James Howard Jr., and son Harland Zane Howard.

She is survived by daughter - Tonya Howard, son - James (Te) Howard, grandchildren - Colin Howard, Crews Howard Yoakum, James Howard IV, Jonathan, Abigail, and Hannah Howard, and, her guardian angel, long-time friend and companion, George Woodfin.

Roma was born and raised in Rankin, TX.  She married Harland Allen at 18 in 1948? and had Tonya in 1952. Zane came along in 1956.  She lost her husband, Harland in 1958, after which time she moved to Abilene.  She met and married her second husband, James Howard, Jr. and moved to Waco, Colorado, Eastland, a short stint in Arkansas, back to Clyde and Baird.  Jim passed away in 2014.  She eventually moved back to Abilene and has loved being back with her long-time church family at 11 ^th and Willis church of Christ, attending Kiwanis, working with child literacy in the See by Three program, visiting shut-ins, playing dominos, going to theater productions, assisting with the rodeo and the fair, sorting beans for the chili cook off, exercising at Rose Park, and reading Debbie Macomber books.   Meeting George Woodfin in 2000 meant she had the perfect companion for the rest of her days.  George has been a never-failing friend, Bible study partner, and domino adversary.

Roma attended ACU (ACC at the time) after her first husband passed away from an accident with 2 small children in tow, working full time at Taylor elementary school, and completed her degree in Elementary Education in 3 years, graduating Summa Cum Laude.  She was offered a scholarship but told them “Give it to someone who needs it!”

Teaching was Roma’s passion and she delighted in having a chance to give children from all walks of life a foundation of education, self-discipline, and self-respect.  Roma taught in Abilene for four years, Colorado for 4 years, and then taught in Putnam and then Baird for 25+ years after returning to Texas.

She loved traveling, and has seen Australia multiple times, almost all the states in the US, Mexico, Canada, and Europe.

Though she was on a fixed income, she was incredibly generous of her time and money with her family, friends, and the community.

We all feel honored to have known and loved her and her wit, energy, and indomitable spirit will be sorely missed.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, January 15, 2022 at 3:00pm at the 11 ^th & Willis Church of Christ.  All are welcome to attend.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Sam’s Place c/o South 11 ^th and Willis St Church of Christ, Abilene, TX 79605.

Condolences may be offered to the family online at www.pbfuneraldirectors.com.