Doris Rachel Carter Howard, 87, of Huntsville, went home to be with the Lord January 5th, 2022. Born May 19, 1934, Doris, first and foremost, loved the Lord with her whole heart. A longtime member of Latham United Methodist Church, she always kept the Lord at the center of her life. She was a devoted member of UM Women’s Circle 2; a group of wonderful ladies she loved dearly. She started her career at National Life in Nashville as a secretary where she worked to help put Lawrence through school. It was at National Life that she met Peggy and they were family from that point on. She was a master homemaker, not only excelling in the kitchen, but also sewing clothes for her children and grandchildren. She applied that same love to those around her, volunteering at her church, Meals on Wheels, and even as a school nurse.
If she had a true love other than her husband and the Lord, it would be gardening. She knew every bloom, leaf and twig in her garden. Every plant name was known, where it grew best, and where it was bought or where she made her husband dig it up off the side of the road somewhere in the South. She loved the beauty that Spring and Summer brought to her yard and especially the hummingbirds that visited yearly.
She is survived by her loving husband of 67 years, Lawrence W Howard; children, Kathleen Howard Richardson (Steve) and Lawrence “Chip” Howard (Elisha); brother, Larry Carter (Chris); grandchildren, Clay (Amanda) and Wil (Lindsey) Richardson, and Lacey Dudley (Justin) and Jake Howard (Ashley); great-grandchildren, Tenley, Allie, John Luke, Rachel Kate, and Willa Claire Richardson, Evie and Emmie Dudley, and Adalynn Howard; and numerous nieces and nephews. She is preceded in death by her brother, Ed Carter and his wife, Dolores, and her best friend for over 60 years, Peggy Benson.
Visitation will be from 1- 3 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, at Latham United Methodist Church. The funeral service will follow at 3 p.m. with Rev. Chris Martin officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association Alabama Chapter Huntsville Office, 7800 Madison Blvd., Huntsville, AL 35806.
