Velma Jean Howard

Velma Jean "Jeanne" Howard

December 9, 1948 - March 28, 2025

With deep sorrow but immense gratitude for her life, we announce the passing of Velma Jean "Jeanne" Howard on March 28, 2025, at the home of her daughter in Copperas Cove, Texas. She passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and several grandchildren, enveloped in the love she so deeply cherished.

Born on December 9, 1948, in Denton, Texas, Jeanne was the eldest of four daughters, a role she carried with warmth and wisdom. Sharing her birthday with her youngest sister was always a special joy. She embraced family as life's greatest treasure and spent her years nurturing, teaching, and loving with all her heart.

In December 2024, Jeanne was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. Though she never had the opportunity to fight the disease, she wanted to live. She had so much more love to give, more stories to tell, and more time she longed to spend with her family. But in the end, she left this world the way she lived-surrounded by love, with her family by her side.

Jeanne married a dedicated Army man, with whom she raised four children. Though their marriage of over 20 years came to an end, their bond as parents remained strong. Later, she found her true soulmate in Stevie Howard of Childress, Texas, and together they built a life filled with laughter and unwavering devotion until his passing. She lived and worked a life dedicated to service.

A woman of many talents, Jeanne found joy in creativity. She played both the piano and guitar-country music only, of course-and could fill a room with the warmth of her melodies. She was a gifted crocheter, passing on the craft to her oldest granddaughter at just six years old, a legacy of love stitched into every piece she made. Her hands were always busy creating, whether through music, crochet, drawing or painting.

But above all, Jeanne's greatest masterpiece was the family she cherished. She instilled in her children and grandchildren the importance of staying close, supporting one another, and always choosing love. She believed family was life's greatest gift, and her unwavering devotion lives on in the hearts of those she leaves behind.

Jeanne is survived by her four children:

- Michael Hancock (wife Lauren) and their children: Matthew, Justin, Morgan, Brooke, and Rowan

- Donna Schwausch (husband Neal) and their children: Jennifer and Tori

- Mark Hancock and his children: Aaron, Anthony, Megan, and Morgan

- Christina Kinsey (husband Bob) and their children: Christian, Bobby, Brianna, and Caitlin

She also leaves behind several great-grandchildren and her beloved sisters: Katherine Perkins, Linda Rawls, and Carol Carlin.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Stevie Howard, her parents, Roland Downey and Lena Copeland Beaird.

A Celebration of Life will be held in June 2025, where family and friends will gather to share stories, music, and memories of the woman who made every moment count. Details will be shared with loved ones as the date approaches.

Jeanne's legacy is one of love, laughter, and the unbreakable bonds of family. Though she is no longer with us, her spirit lives on in the lessons she taught, the traditions she passed down, and the love she so freely gave.

Rest easy, Momma. Your love is forever woven into the hearts of those who were blessed to know you.