Mary Louise Howard

With heavy hearts we announce the passing of Mimi Howard of Isle Of Palms, South Carolina, on June 11, 2024. She was loved by many. 

Born on January 11, 1939 in Atlanta, Georgia, she was a daughter of Mary Carpenter (Underwood) and James Loy Carpenter. A forever 29-year-old soul, she grew up in Marietta on Campbell Hill with her grandmother, Lillie Mae Carpenter and aunt Margaret Carpenter (Bobbie) nearby. She was quite the tomboy playing with neighbors and trying to keep up with her older brother Jimmy. Near to her heart was Beulah White, who helped out in the family household and was herself like family to Mimi, teaching her life lessons. She attended Marietta High School and met her husband of 60 years, Ross, through her friend Lucy Howard Reynolds, his younger sister. Mimi and Ross met all of life’s ups and downs.

Mimi’s vibrant energy and inner strength radiated to everyone she met. Active in the Junior League, First United Methodist Church and Mountain Laurel Garden Club, she shared her passions for art, gardening, cooking, and caring for others. Known for her 'Mim Pancakes,' she was a cherished example and mentor. Travel was her adventure, embracing life with positivity and laughter. She was a determined, independent woman who knew her worth. She adored her grandchildren, attending every game and recital and was an important part in the lives of her great grandchildren. Her life was guided by integrity, courage, and wonder, with generosity, kindness, and forgiveness as her creed. Her spirited personality, energy, and inner strength radiated to friends and strangers alike. In retirement she enjoyed daily beach walks with her dog, Lovey, and listening to the ocean on her screened porch. 

Mimi is preceded in death by her parents Loy and Mary Carpenter (Othermama), her husband Ross H. Howard, Jr., two daughters, Patricia and Nanette Howard, and aunt Margaret Carpenter (Bobbie). Her faith in knowing she will be reunited with the ones she loves helped her through sad times. As a family we find peace knowing she is with who she missed so dearly. 

Mimi (Mim) is survived by son Jamison Howard (Heather), daughter Kathleen Rambo, grandchildren Andrew Rambo (Mary), Daniel Rambo (Britney), Margaret German (Douglas), Frances Hay (Cameron), Meredith Hill (Matt), Katelyn Howard, Jamison Howard Jr. and nine great-grandchildren. She was always present in the lives of her family and friends and will remain present in our hearts and memories. Her knowledge and wisdom will live on through her legacy of a life well lived.

The family will receive friends on July 6 at her home in Wild Dunes Resort, Isle of Palms, SC from 10:00 to 12:30. A celebration of life for Ross and Mimi Howard will be given by their family on Saturday, August 3, 1:00 to 4:00 at the Marietta Educational Garden Center, 505 Kennesaw Avenue, Marietta, Georgia.. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Marietta Educational Garden Center, 505 Kennesaw Avenue, Marietta, GA 30060, https://mariettagardencenter.com or Make-A-Wish® South Carolina, 225 South Pleasantburg Drive, C17, Greenville, SC 29607 https://wish.or/sc-2. 

Her obituary can be viewed at mcalister-smith.com.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 1520 Rifle Range Road, Mount Pleasant SC 29464, (843) 884-3833.