On Tuesday, February 2, 2021, Kara Parker Howard, loving wife and mother to two daughters, passed away peacefully after a long battle with cancer. Kara was born on April 17, 1982 in Huntsville, Alabama to the late Dana Parker and Sharon (McCracken) Deason. She attended Lee High School and The University of Southern Mississippi, where she was a member of the dance team.
After returning to Huntsville, Kara worked in special education for Huntsville City Schools. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She served on the Junior Board for the Autism Society of Alabama and was on the Women’s Ballet Guild.
Following Kara’s diagnosis, she dedicated her time and talents into raising awareness and funds for the fight against lung cancer. As her disease progressed, so did her steadfast commitment to making a positive impact in the lives of others suffering from this disease. She represented the state of Alabama in Washington, D.C. as the American Lung Association’s Lung Force Hero. There she lobbied for continued research funding and quality healthcare for lung cancer patients. Kara also volunteered for the Southeastern Lung Alliance as a patient coordinator for their support group. She volunteered in many capacities for the Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, and this past year she worked as their patient relations coordinator. In 2017, Kara was an American Cancer Society Honoree, and in 2018, she was White Linen and Wine Honoree for the Russel Hill Foundation.
Kara was a loyal friend, a devoted wife and mother, a dedicated daughter, a delicious cook, and alternative music fan, art enthusiast, ballet patron, spice gardener, meticulous gift wrapper and Christmas tree decorator.
She will be remembered by all who knew her and loved her for her resilience. For over four years she battled her illness with dignity, courage, and grace. She never complained, never wavered, and simply persevered. Kara inspired, supported, advocated for, and touched the lives of many. May her strength and fortitude live on in her daughters whom she loved and cherished so very much.
Kara was preceded in death by her father, Dana Parker; and grandparents, Blanche and Seth McCracken. Survivors include her husband of eleven years, Jamison; daughters, Parker and Olivia; mother, Sharon Deason; stepfather, Al Deason; sister, Dana Parker, mother and father-in-law, Judy and John Howard; brother-in-law, John (Laura); nephew, John Randall; niece, Anna; Uncle Robert McCracken (Allison); cousins, Seth McCracken and Josh Walker (Frances); and many dear friends.
A graveside service will be a 11:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 6th, at Maple Hill Cemetery with Rev. Dr. Tara Bulgar officiating.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kara Parker Howard Fund through Russel Hill Cancer Foundation, 3601 CCI Drive, Huntsville, AL 35805.
