JUDY HOWARD

ODESSA - Judy Howard went to be with our Lord on Sunday, Feb. 16, 2003, after a very courageous 14-year battle with cancer. She passed away at home with her family surrounding her. Judy was born Judy Susan Sykes on April 19, 1949, in Austin, Texas. In 1978, she met and married her husband, Neill Howard, and they settled down in Odessa with their family. At the young age of 39, Judy was diagnosed with breast cancer. She fought bravely and never let it slow her down. Six years later it came back, and she spent a month in Dallas at Baylor Hospital going through extensive treatment. Three years later it came back yet again, and again she fought it with the quiet determination and courage she was known for. Judy never let it interfere and lived each day to the fullest. She devoted her time and energy to her family, friends and her church. She was always known for her creativity, intelligence, strength and courage, generosity and sense of humor. She had said that she had no regrets. She got to see her children grown and have children of their own. She was able to know and love her grandchildren, who affectionately referred to her as Juju. Her faith in God and devotion to those she loved was an inspiration to all. Those who were fortunate to know her will cherish their time with her. She will be truly missed. There will be a memorial service at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 19 at Westminster Presbyterian Church. A graveside service will be at 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 20 in Fairmount Cemetery in San Angelo, Texas. Her father, Roy Sykes preceded Judy in death. She is survived by her loving husband, Neill Howard of Odessa; her mother and stepfather, Frances and Ed Pinson of San Angelo; her children and grandchildren, Bill and Kelley Howard and Chad of Odessa, Brittany Howard of Coleman, Amy and Clint Vanlandingham and Tyler of Sterling Heights, Mich., Alison and Donnie Cagle and Donnie III of Lubbock, Kimberly Claburn of San Angelo and Stacey and Donny Pipes of San Angelo; her brothers and sister-in-law, Neil Sykes of Corpus Christi and Jerre and Karen Sykes of Houston; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The family wishes to thank Westminster Presbyterian Church, Dr. George and the staff of the West Texas Cancer Center, Odyssey Healthcare and the staff of the Radiology Department (Special Procedures) of Medical Center Hospital for their excellent care and compassion. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Westminster Presbyterian Church Memorial Fund at 4901 Maple Ave. Odessa, TX 79762, or Odyssey Healthcare, 2651 JBS Parkway, Odessa, TX 79761.

February 22, 2003
Aunt Dorothy
Pal, Neill,Amy,Allison,Kim.Stacey.Jerre and Neil - How I loved her and will miss her always and will never forget the beautiful and clever greeting cards she sent to me on on every special occasion.I pray each day for all of you.

February 18, 2003
Kerry Harvey
My dearest cousin Judy, I will miss you and your courage and inspiration to all!!! I love you! You and your family are in my prayers and thoughts each day. Love, Kerry

February 18, 2003
Lynn (King) Forrest
I will never forget all the fun times that I spent with Judy Howard. I am especially glad I was able to see her at our family reunion. She will be deeply missed. Lynn Forrest