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Sarah Howes Obituary
Sarah Jane Sprouse, 78, of Newport News, died Sunday, March 20, 2011, at her home. Born on March 31, 1932, at Pharsalia Plantation in Nelson County, Va., she was a daughter of the late Henry Sprouse and Esther Sprouse. Sarah graduated from Fleetwood High School. She moved to Newport News in 1951 where she met and married Richard A. Howes. They had two children and lived at their home on Lilac Court for 50 years until Richard's death. Sarah then moved in with her daughter and son-in-law and remained in Newport News. She was a member of Hidenwood Presbyterian Church and held four college degrees, graduating Cum Laude. Sarah was also an accomplished writer of short stories, winning many awards at CNU.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Richard A. Howes Sr.; her sisters, Irene Boyd and Louise Miller, and her brothers, James Sprouse and Marion Sprouse.
Sarah will be dearly missed by her son, Richard A. "Chip" Howes Jr., of Santa Monica, Calif. and his wife Karen, and their children Kendall, Katelyn, Kevin, and Kathleen; her daughter, Audrey Kennedy, of Newport News and her husband , Rufus, and their daughter Kristin Dallos and her husband, Randy; her sister, Margaret McNabb; her sister-in-law Mary Sprouse; cousins, nieces, nephews, and a host of other loving relatives and friends.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Riverside Adult Day Services for their kind and loving care of Mom during her illness. The family is also grateful for the loving assistance of the staff of Riverside Hospice and especially volunteer, Reba Ross.
A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. in Jonesboro Cemetery in Nelson County, Va. by Pastor Michael Fitzgerald on Saturday, March 26, 2011. Afterwards, the family will receive friends at Massies Mill Presbyterian Church. A memorial service will be held at Hidenwood Presbyterian Church in Newport News by Pastor Bill Lamont on Sunday, March 27, 2011, at 1:30 p.m. The family will receive friends at the church afterwards.
Byrum-Parr Funeral Home is serving the family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Sarah Howes
Dianne Furney
March 27, 2011
Dear Chip, Audrey and family,
So sorry to hear about your Mom. Wish I could have been at the memorial service. Please know you are in my thoughts and prayers. I cherish the childhood memories when we were all together at Grandma and Grandpa Sprouse's house.
Love, Cousin Dianne
Becky Hurst
March 26, 2011
To my Aunt Sarah Jane
From your niece Rebecca Jane
United in our rebel heritage, our fierce devotion to family, and the mountains that call us home. Thank you for being a part of my life and my family. Your stories live in me and my daughters, and down to their children, generations strong. I cannot imagine the joyous heavenly reunions. Rest in peace in our native Nelson soil, cradled among all those we hold dear, and kick up your heels in heaven.
Julie Bowman
March 26, 2011
Dear Audrey and Rufus,
You gave your mom the gift of full love and acceptance, and eased her way into the Light. Blessings to you both, and my condolences to Chip and your entire family.
Love, Julie
March 25, 2011
Dear Audrey and Rufus, we so admire you for the blanket of love and respect you wrapped around Sarah. Her final time here was one of comfort and dignity because of your loving care. We are sorry for your loss.
Don and Karen Killian, Williamsburg
Chris Sprouse
March 25, 2011
Audrey,
We were so sorry to hear about Aunt Sarah's passing. Please let us know if there's anything that you need. We will be praying for you and your family.
Love, Brad and Chris Sprouse & family
Beulah Davis, LSW, Riversdie Hospice
March 25, 2011
Audrey, Chip and Family,
I am so very sorry for your loss of Mrs. Sarah. You all have been so very supportive of her and I admire you for that. I know it was from the love you had for her. You took such good care of Mr. and Mrs. Howes when they needed you the most.
May you find comfort in the memories you have made with Mrs. Sarah. She is always close in your hearts.
Be encouraged and blessed.
Tondra Harris
March 24, 2011
Dear Audrey and Rufus,
we were sadden to hear about your mother's passing. We will always cherish your parents love they showed to me and my children. We are always here for you.
May God keep and comfort you all during this time.
Love Always,
Tondra, Sharmane'k, Nate, Tre' and Zaniah
Margaret Chengiah
March 24, 2011
Dear Audrey,
We are so sorry to hear about your mother's passing. Let us know if there is anything we can do for you.
Love, Margaret and Eddie
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