Lynn C. Howze

The Rev. Lynn C. Howze 

“Well done, good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your Master.” Matthew 25:21

With this greeting from her Lord and Savior, Lynn C. Howze was welcomed into her heavenly reward. Born on April 11, 1946, in Ashville, NC, Lynn was abandoned as a newborn in the hospital by her birth mother and was adopted by her mother, Vera Budke, a nurse at that hospital, and her father, Robert Budke. She was raised as a Baptist but later became an Episcopalian and eventually was ordained as one of the first female priests in the Episcopal church. She worked at one time for a U.S. Senator in Washington, D.C. She was married twice, divorced once and widowed once by her dear Ray Howze; she had no children but many, many friends. She spent the last half of her life in central Florida, serving different parishes in various ministries. One of her favorite ministries was Sidewalk Sunday School in Lakeland, a homeless ministry where she was much loved and she inspired many members to turn their lives over to Christ. Lynn later retired and lived in Lakeland. As her health declined, she ultimately resided at Winter Haven Health and Rehabilitation Center where she received good care from the staff and from Good Shepherd Hospice. She passed into her heavenly reward on Saturday, November 15, 2025. She will be well remembered for her devotion to God and the mission of bringing souls to Christ and her love for all of humanity. 

A memorial service will be held in her honor at a future date. In lieu of flowers or cards, remember her spirit by performing an act of kindness in the world.