Shirley Howard

Shirley Ann Howard born to A.J. Anderson and Hermina (Cordes) Anderson in Stephenville, TX. Mom left this earth with her three children by her bed side. We had gathered around her to watch a movie and were relating everything about it to her. She decided this was a happy moment for her and it was time to go onward to another journey. Mom graduated from Austin High School. As part of the greatest generation, she worked at Kelly AFB in San Antonio, TX during WWII. Mom was a great dancer and she loved dancing with the GI’s. In 1946 she entered the medical field as a surgical secretary working for Oklahoma General Hospital which later became Mercy Hospital. Mom had found her calling. Later In her medical career she became the medical secretary and eventually the office manager of the renowned heart surgical team of Dr. Greer, Carey, Zuhdi & Heartsuck. She retired in 1981. In 1982 she married the love of her life, Dr. Robert B. Howard. They traveled, fished and settled into a happiness they could share together. Mom loved crossword puzzles, Words with Friends, reading, genealogy, and Gray’s Anatomy. Her guilty pleasures were scary movies, The Walking Dead, chocolate (that she would hoard in her room), and playing the slot machines. Mom belonged to many clubs…Altrusa, various book club, and secretary/treasurer of the church Circle Club. She was a proud member of The Daughters of the Confederacy until it became “politically incorrect”. Mom was a longtime, faithful member of Connecting Point Presbyterian church formally known as Graystone. Preceded in death by her parents, husband Dr. Robert B. Howard, Sister Jean Franks, grandson William Howard. Survived by her son Bill Lane & wife Kathleen, Bob Howard & wife Diane, daughters…Ann Harper & husband Aubrey, Lori Mangrum & husband Larry Edelbrock, and Diane Applebaum. Grandchildren David Ritter & wife Reiko, Brian Lane & wife Ashley, Christopher Mangrum, Rachael Lane, Robert Howard & wife Lisa, Sara Barry & husband Mike, Jason Appelbaum & wife Sharon. Great grandchildren Reina Ritter, Michaela & Naomi Mangrum, Hayden & Lily Lane , Kadin Barry, Cameron & Elia Appelbaum, Unity, Ava & Reign Howard. And her wonderful niece Sheri Boren-Magnani & husband Alan. Lastly, mom’s dog, Missy who wanders about in her room wondering where she is. Mom, we always kidded you about being a “child of the depression” because of you were shocked at today’s prices and all things electronic. We were so proud you mastered your Ipad but alas never the TV remote. You were our movie star mom….we love you!! Our hearts will remain broken until we meet again. Mom, your daughters will always be strong Anderson Women!!! A special thank you to Humanity Hospice. We could not have made this journey without them.