Barbara Howard

Barbara Howard, age 83, of Laurel Bloomery, went home to be with Jesus on Thursday, May 4,2023, at her home surrounded by family. Barbara was born on May 25, 1939, in Ashe County, NC, to the late Raymond and Opal Roark Shelton. In additional to her parents, she was preceded
in death by her husband Dana Howard, brother John Shelton, and son-in-law David Faulkner.

For more than 20 years, Barbara served in food management at Laurel Elementary School. And after school had ended, she could be found helping students with homework or reading to them. She also managed Burger King in Boone, NC.

Barbara was a dedicated wife, mother, grandmother, and friend. Nothing was more important to her than those she loved. She loved each one of them fiercely, and always stood ready to help and defend each of her loved ones whenever needed. She also wasn’t afraid to tell her family and friends when they were out of line and needed to straighten up.

Barbara loved spending time in her garden and canning her vegetables. She also enjoyed cooking delicious food for her family. Among their favorites were scratch-made cream corn, chocolate pie, and rum cake. During her down time, she enjoyed reading novels, completing word search puzzles, and watching the Game Show Network. With the support of her husband. She was able to visit many parts of the US and journey to Israel five times.

Most importantly, Barbara was an example of a true Christian. She showed Christ’s love through
her actions of generosity and kindness, and her pure belief in the power of the cross. Her Bible was almost always near her and often she could be found reading it. Even though she admitted she did not understand everything she read, she still believed every word because God had never
failed her.

Barbara was a rock for her family and a cord that held them together. Even though a huge piece is now missing from their family and hearts, they rejoice that she is no longer suffering and is at peace with her maker.

Left to cherish her memory are sons, Gary Howard and wife Brenda of Vanderpool, NC, and Kevin Howard and wife Jennifer of Butler, TN; daughters, Sherry Faulkner of Valdese, Carol Stapleton and husband Jesse of Hudson, NC, and Donna Crotts and husband Richard of Laurel
Bloomery, TN; seventeen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; brothers JC Shelton and wife Bernice, Jack Shelton and wife Wanda, and James Shelton and wife April; sisters Phyllis Flannery, Janet Lott and husband Garry, and Connie Shelton; special friends Chris
Shelton and Thelma Lipford; and many nieces and nephews.

A special thank you to Dr. Kimberly Kleine and Gentiva Hospice for their compassionate care and support during Barbara’s final days.

Pallbearers are Caleb Howard, Gabriel Faulkner, Daniel Faulkner, Jacob Stapleton, Benjamin Howard, and Ezra Howard.

Honorary pallbearers are Jack Shelton, JC Shelton, James Shelton, Jesse Stapleton, Richard Crotts, Jason Ramsey, Tripp Lawson, Tyler Honeycutt, Dustin Camp, Austin Boyles, and Michael Herndon.

Funeral services for Barbara will be Sunday, May 7,2023 at 4 p.m. in the Charles B Hux Chapel with Samuel Faulkner officiating. The family will receive friends from 3 p.m. – 4 p.m. prior to the funeral. Barbara will be laid to rest in the Sunset Memorial Park Mausoleum of Love following the funeral service.