Lila Evelyn Fox Howard

1935 - 2023

Lila Evelyn Fox Howard was born in Nelson County, VA on August 5, 1935 to the late John Luther and Evelyn Toms Fox. At the age of five, after her mother's death, she was raised by a great aunt Essie Parr and uncle Ollie Farrar, then an aunt Mary and uncle Bill Vesser.

After finishing Rockfish School, she went on to graduate from Phillips Business School in Lynchburg and landed her first full-time job at Mead Paper. It was there that she met the love of her life, James R. "Jimmy" Howard and they were wed on March 24, 1956, going on to have two daughters Brenda and Donna.

After having her first child, Lila dedicated her life to caring for her children for 10 years then returned to the workforce as an elementary school secretary at Elizabeth Kizer and Dearington Elementary schools. At school, she gave the same sweet attention and caring for those children and staff.

Lila was a wonderful wife, mother and "Grammy" to her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Lila was always by Jimmy's side in all things whether it be side-by-side in the vegetable garden, traveling, building houses together, and raising two girls, which included going to all the Heritage High School band events and competitions.

As a mom and grandmother, she was always there for support, an ear to listen, and a shoulder to cry on, and to jump in whenever there was a need. She loved her family and extended that love and caring to family, friends and neighbors. Lila loved her grandchildren beyond measure, and they delighted in having Grammy close, even if it was to play a joke on her!

The Howard holiday meals, New Years's food, and Halloween parties with the girls' school friends were all favorites. It was not uncommon to have a new face at the table for those that just needed a helping hand and to be included in a time of need.

Along with filling her home with warmth and kindness, Lila loved working in the yard, planting flowers and riding her lawn mower. She loved playing cards and games and would say, even as a young bride, "One more game, Jimmy" dealing the cards on the bed trying to win.

Lila's smile and laughter is one of the most significant characteristics about her. It just makes everyone smile and laugh with her.

Besides her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James R. "Jimmy" Howard, a brother John "Brother" Fox, and his wife Dorothy, and a grandson Michael David Thompson.

She is survived by her daughter Brenda Parrent (Craig), Donna Wallace (Miles), grandchildren: Chris Thompson, Rob Thompson (Raven), Hannah Wagner (Greyson), Rachel Van Liere, three great-grandchildren: Emma Wagner, Noah Wagner and Riley Thompson, a sister Agnes Lucas, as well as many nieces, nephews and friends.

A graveside funeral service will be held 11 a.m., Friday, September 8, 2023 at Fort Hill Memorial Park, by the Dr. J. Monty Fox.

A gathering for family and friends will immediately follow the service at Fort Early, 3511 Memorial Ave. Lynchburg, with lunch being provided. Parking available behind Lancaster Galleries as well as street parking.

Lila loved flowers and animals. Flowers or a donation to Lynchburg Humane Society, 1211 Old Graves Mill Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502 would be appreciated.

Heritage Funeral Service and Crematory, (434) 239-2405 is assisting the family. Memories and thoughts may be shared with the family at www.heriatgefuneralandcrematory.com