Alice Marie Howard

Alice Marie Howard, age 80, passed away peacefully at her home on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Fort Smith, Arkansas Alice was born on September 14, 1944, in Fort Smith, the beloved daughter of Otho Corley "O.C." Mitchael and Helen Marie (Featherston) Mitchael. On August 20, 1966, she married the love of her life, John D. Howard Sr. Together, they built a beautiful life over 58 years of marriage, filled with love, laughter, and shared memories. Alice dedicated 42 years of her life to a career as an Administrative Assistant at the Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center. She had a true gift for helping others, often running into former patients while out in the community. Her warm, bubbly personality made everyone feel welcome and at ease. Outside of her career, Alice was a woman of many passions. She was an avid fisherwoman who loved being outdoors, and she enjoyed traveling and treasure hunting at flea markets. She never met a stranger and had a way of making everyone she met feel like a friend. Alice and John were founding members of Dallas Oaks Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, where she faithfully served as an elder. Her compassion, generosity, and unconditional love for others left an enduring legacy in both her church and her community. She will be remembered most as a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Alice is survived by her devoted husband, John D. Howard Sr.; her children, Carrie Lee Howard and John David Howard Jr.; her grandchildren, Lauren Parmenter (and husband Casey) and Cassidy Wright (and husband Caleb); and her cherished great-grandchildren, Carlee Parmenter, Calhan Wright, Crew Wright, and Cavvy Wright. She is also survived by her siblings: Margie Murray (and husband Tom), Ronald Mitchael (and wife Christy), Richard Mitchael (and wife Rhonda), and Kenny Mitchael (and wife Debbie); along with a host of many nephews and nieces that she loved very much. She was preceded in death by her parents, O.C. and Helen Mitchael; her brother, Charles Mitchael (and wife Margaret); and her beloved great-granddaughter, Hadlee Grace Howard.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at River Glenn Cremation and Funeral Services, located at 1805 North A Street, Fort Smith, AR 72901. A funeral service will take place at 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, April 30, 2025, at the River Glenn Chapel. Interment will follow at McKendree Cemetery in Subiaco at 2:00 p.m.
Pastor Josh Davis will officiate the services. Pallbearers will include Casey Parmenter, Caleb Wright, Dr. Brian Leach, Dale Seiter, Tom Fu Nguyen, and Dusty Sommers.
Honorary pallbearers will be John David Howard Jr., Kenny Mitchael, Ronald Mitchael, Richard Mitchael, Tom Murray, Dr. Ken Leach, Andy Stackable, David Stackable, Leo Lafoon, and Steve Horriatt. Alice's love, joy, and kindness will continue to live on through her family and all who were fortunate enough to know her. To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Alice, please visit our floral store.