Marilyn Marie Howard

Marilyn Marie Howard
September 8, 1967 – May 10, 2025
Marilyn Marie Howard, 57, of Okeechobee, Florida, passed away on May 10, 2025, in the town she called home for much of her life.
Born on September 8, 1967, Marilyn was a woman of strong faith, sharp wit, and fierce love. She was an ordained minister, a notary public, and ran her own cleaning company. But more than her titles or work, Marilyn will be remembered for her best intentions, as the kind of person who tried to help and do good wherever she could.
She loved riding Harleys, soaking up the sun, sharing her faith, and caring for animals. For Marilyn, her pets were always like her children, just as much a part of the family. Marilyn was well known for how she felt things so deeply and loved just as hard, and that care shaped the way she showed up for the people in her life, always.
She was preceded in death by her father, Addie P. Howard; her mother, Edna Ruth Coble; and her sister, Janie Lee Smith of Okeechobee, FL.
She is survived by her daughter, Athena Marie Meeker (formerly Edna Marie Howard) of Florence, Oregon; her sister, Jeniffer Coble of Wellington, FL; her cousin, Jackie Anuez of Okeechobee, FL; and many dearly loved nieces and nephews that she cherished like her own children. Marilyn also leaves behind a wide circle of friends that she considered as family.
She was a member of Okeechobee Praise and Worship Center, and her life reflected the love and faith she carried with her. As poet Laurel Chen once wrote, "If grief is love with nowhere to go, then / Oh, I've loved so immensely." Marilyn loved immensely – and her absence will be felt just as strongly by everyone who had the opportunity to truly know and love her.
A private gathering to celebrate her life will be held by her family on Saturday, May 24, 2025. Those wishing to attend are welcome to contact her daughter for further information.
In honor of Marilyn's love for animals, memorial donations may be made to an animal shelter of your choice in her name, or given directly to her daughter to help with final arrangements. For those wishing to honor her outside of monetary means, a prayer for her family, an act of kindness to your fellow man, or a little extra love towards your furry family members in her memory would be greatly appreciated as well.
Those wishing to leave a message of condolence may sign the register book at, www.OkeechobeeFuneralHome.com.
All arrangements are entrusted to the direction and care of the Buxton & Bass Okeechobee Funeral Home, 400 North Parrott Avenue, Okeechobee, Florida, 34972.