Carolyn Jane Howard

Carolyn Jane Howard, age 78, passed away on the morning of January 28th, 2025. Services will be held at 2 pm Friday, February 7, 2025, at First Baptist Church of Killeen. Burial will be in Killeen City Cemetery.

Carolyn Jane was born on October 14th, 1946, in Waco, Texas to Jack and Claudine Arnold. She was a proud resident of Killeen, Texas and was a 1965 Graduate of Killeen High School. She married Terry Howard in Lampasas, Texas in March of 1965 and they had two daughters that were the center of her world. CJ worked at First Texas Bank for 33 years until she retired, freeing up time to be the best Nana that she could be.

Carolyn Jane had the biggest heart, the best laugh, and a zest for life. She took any opportunity to be surrounded by family, friends, and her class of ’65. She especially loved being the center point for all the Howard, Arnold, and Riley gatherings. She and Terry enjoyed watching the Longhorns, the Cowboys, and going to Winstar to gamble as much as possible. CJ loved to do for others, especially in the kitchen. You could feel her love in her tuna fish, spaghetti, spinach dip, fruit salad, and 3- layer dessert. As a Nana she loved all things Christmas but will always be remembered for her second favorite holiday, the 4th of July. She opened her doors to anyone and everyone and nothing made her happier than having a house full of noise and making those memories. CJ spent her life loving others with her whole heart and her kindness has left a legacy here. The world is a little less bright without her in it and we will feel her absence every day. But after years of fighting to be here with us, her body is now healed and she is finally reunited with her daughter, Landra. We will forever think of her when we see the color purple, wonder what the weather is on Sierra and will always remember her headshake that followed a “Mercy” or a “S.D.H”.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Claudine Arnold; her sister, Jean Ann Caffee; and her daughter, Landra Lee Knapp. She is survived by her husband, Terry Howard; her daughter, Megian Howard; her sister, Cathy Sandage; her grandchildren, Kyle (Caitlin), Kelsey (Sam), Keaton, and Easton; her great grandchildren, Ryker, Emmitt, Brady, Landry, and Declan; and many other loving relatives and friends.

A time of visitation will be held from 5-7 pm Thursday, February 6, 2025, at Harper-Talasek Funeral Home in Killeen.