Rose Marie Howard

Rose Marie Howard, age 79 of Panama City passed on to our Lord Jesus Christ, Sunday, January 11, 2026. Rose was born July 25, 1946, in Mooresville, North Carolina, Iredale County.
Rose is preceded in death by her parents, John Henry Cornelius and Sadie Marie Cornelius; her brother James (Jimmy) Cornelius; son, John Steven (Steve) Howard of Panama City.
Rose is survived by her husband Martin H. Howard (Marty) of Panama City and their children, Margaret (Howard) Azevedo and husband David of Panama City, Marie Traina-Derisi and husband Vince of Saint Johns, Mary Darlene Davies of Jackson, MI., and Michael Jason Howard and partner Rhonda of Panama City; grandchildren, Dominique Traina-Derisi of Palm Coast, Desiree Cowan and husband Bret with children Kira and Conner of Virginia, Matthew Azevedo, Joseph Howard of Panama City, Johnny Azevedo with 2 grandkids and 1 great grandkid of MI., Shelia Azevedo and husband Dwayne with 4 great grandkids of AL., Lenaha Day and husband Jason with 5 great grandkids of Pensacola, Casey Davies with 1 great grandkid of PA., and Samantha Davies with 3 great grandkids of IL. She is also lovingly remembered by her nieces and nephews, John Rogers, John Cornelious, Gayle Cornelious, Tabitha Cornelious, David Cornelious, and Jennifer Cornelious.
Rose Marie lived a life filled with joy, adventure, and a deep love for the people and passions that shaped her world. At the age of four, her family moved to North Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, where many of her fondest memories were made. After her father was released from the Army, he acquired a Texaco station, and the family lived for several years in an apartment above the station. Rose Marie spent her school years in North Myrtle Beach, forming lifelong friendships along the way. During high school, she met and became friends with Vanna White, later known as the co-host of Wheel of Fortune.
Growing up in Myrtle Beach, Rose Marie met the love of her life, Martin Howard. The two were married on September 13, 1971, and recently celebrated 54 years of marriage-a testament to their enduring love and devotion to one another.
From a young age, Rose Marie developed a special interest in making, repairing, and collecting dolls. After marrying Martin, her collection flourished and eventually grew to more than 3,000 dolls. She opened her own doll shop in Panama City, Florida, aptly named J & M Dolls Castle in honor of her close friend June. Then she went on to open up Rose Maries dolls acquiring the nickname "The Doll Lady". Rose went on to sell her dolls at shows and conventions throughout the southeastern United States.
Rose Marie was fortunate to spend seven years living in Spain with Martin during his service in the Air Force. While traveling throughout Europe-including Italy, France, Switzerland, and England-she discovered a new passion for collecting Lladro, alabaster, and Goebel figurines. Martin also brought her dolls from his travels to Vietnam, Thailand, Korea, and Guam. After 24 years of service, Martin retired from the Air Force, and Rose Marie often spoke of her plans to one day revisit many of the places that held such cherished memories.
Following retirement, Rose Marie and Martin settled at Tyndall Air Force Base in Panama City, where they became faithful members of First Baptist Church of Callaway. Rose Marie was also a devoted member of the Parker Chapter 96, Order of the Eastern Star. On May 13, 2003, she received her degree and remained an active member for 23 years. In recognition of her dedication, she was honored with a perpetual membership and served in the stations of Warder and Martha.
Rose Marie will be lovingly remembered for the twinkle in her eyes-especially when she was happiest, surrounded by the people she loved and doing the things that brought her joy.
Funeral services will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, January 23, 2026, at Heritage Funeral Home. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service. Interment will immediately follow in the Garden of Memories.
Those serving as pallbearers will be Matt Azervedo, Jonathan Azervedo, David Azervedo, Michael Howard, Sam Peeples, Paul Boger, Fred Andrews, and Mr. Jerry Havel.
Honorary pallbearers will be Howard Hendricks, Donal Hall, Coy Beasely, members of the Order of the Eastern Star Free, and Accepted Masonic Brothers.
Heritage Funeral Home is honored to serve the family of Rose Marie Howard.