Mary Ann Richardson Howard

Mary Ann Richardson Howard was born in Tyler, Texas on January 27, 1935, to Mayme Joyce Duncan Richardson and Charles Clifton Richardson. The family later moved to Alabama when Mary Ann was very young.

From her early childhood in Montgomery, Alabama, she won trophies in swimming and art. She painted a mural for her grammar school that many viewed as adult work. She was a natural artist, with her own style, and saw colors and lines that no one else could.

Gaining employment with her artistic skill, she worked at Southern Sash located in Sheffield, Alabama. In 1958, Mary Ann was married to Charles Hugh Howard in Tuscumbia, Alabama. The couple soon thereafter located to Huntsville, Alabama where Mary Ann spent over fourteen years as a conceptual and technical illustrator for NASA at the George C. Marshall Space Flight Center at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville.

Her artwork decorates the walls of public buildings, including the Smithsonian, and her paintings are in the homes of collectors. Her art won numerous awards at juried shows.

Her love of water, boating and swimming stayed with her for her entire life. She was a registered lifeguard, and taught swimming lessons for children.

The family located to Decatur to the house that has been their home since 1972. Mary Ann was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Decatur and was a former Sunday school teacher of high school students. She volunteered her time with the Girl Scouts sharing her knowledge of art. She later became a portrait artist capturing pets, people and buildings. She also was involved with the Friends of the Decatur Library.

She served as a member of the Alabama State Council on the Arts and Humanities, having been appointed by then Governor Fob James. She was a member and former officer of the Decatur Art Guild. She also taught art at Calhoun Community College.

She was preceded in death by her parents.

Mary Ann is survived by her loving husband of 58 years Charles Hugh Howard, her daughter Hilary Howard Ross (Michael) of Birmingham, AL, grandchildren Hunter Duncan Ross, Charles Owen Ross, and Margaret Addison Ross, and her sister Dr. Margaret J. Koch, Iowa City, IA.

A memorial service honoring Mary Ann Howard will be held on Wednesday, September 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church with Reverend Peggy A. McClure officiating and Roselawn Funeral Home Directing. Visitation will immediately follow in the church parlor.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in memory of Mary Ann Howard to Hospice of the Valley or the Clearview Cancer Institute so that others may benefit from your generosity. The family extends a special thank you to Hospice of the Valley and Sunbridge Home Health Care, Inc. for their excellent care and compassion.