MORGANTON — Audrey L. Howard

passed away February 15, 2020 at the age of 94. Born April 9, 1925 to Jerome and Zula Hawks in Lambsburg, Va., located in the Blue Ridge Mountains. After graduating high school, she moved to Indianapolis where she worked as a telephone operator during World War II. There she met a young handsome pilot, was married in Del Rio, Texas, and began her life as an Air Force officer’s wife. Together they traveled the country and Europe. After retiring they settled in Van Buren County.

She is preceded in death by her parents; a daughter, Sandra L. Brown of Watauga, Texas; her husband, Lt. Col. William F. Howard Jr.; her brothers, Harold Hawks and Beryl Hawks of Lambsburg, Va., and Kenneth Hawks of Hampton, Va. She is survived by her children, Sharron Connors and her husband Al of Visalia, Calif., William F. Howard III and his wife Sandra of Mabelvale, Ark., and Deborah Howard of Morganton, Ark.; a brother, Dale Hawks and his wife Frances of Lambsburg, Va.; six grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. Mrs. Howard is also survived by her other relatives and many friends.

She was a member of the First Christian Church of Lambsburg, Va., and a member of the Colony Church of Christ of Morganton, Ark.

The family would like to thank Dr. John Herring, Southridge Nursing & Rehab and Kindred Hospice for the compassionate care that she was given. Donations in her memory may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Visitation will be held from 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. on Wednesday, February 19, 2020 at Olmstead Funeral Home with funeral services following at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Cleburne County Memorial Gardens. Arrangements are by Olmstead Funeral Home. www.olmstead.cc.