On August 16, 2017, Della Bernice Howard went home to be with the Lord. She was 99 at the time of her passing and was residing at the Shelby House in the east valley. Bernice was a lifelong Montanan having lived in Helena for the past 57 years.
One of eleven siblings, mother was born in Boyd, Montana to Forrest and Annie Ethel (Skinner) Fowlkes. Three months after mom and her twin sister Cerise came into this world, their mother Ethel died; thus compelling Forrest to move to Billings to secure more adequate arrangements for the family. It was in Billings that a godly grandmother, Amanda Bell Skinner got involved with raising the Fowlkes children. She traded Missouri for Montana to help ensure the welfare of the family. Using her strict Methodist beliefs she became both grandmother and mother to the children.
Mom’s early years were interrupted by serious illness-Polio. The doctors determined that she would likely never walk again and recommended the amputation of both her legs. Grandma Skinner wouldn’t allow it. This grandmother, her pastor and others within the church prayed daily for a year and mother did walk again and became the wonderful mother we’ve loved for so long.
She married the love of her life, William C. Howard on the 13th of December, 1941. They were married for 74 years until dad’s passing in 2016. To this union were born Billie (deceased), Donald (Charlene), James (Gayle), Glenn (Meredith), and Myrna England.
Dad’s teaching and administration profession gave the family opportunity to live in several communities in Montana from Billings to Brockton to Colstrip, and eventually Helena. Mother was supportive in every way in the rearing of the family and as encouragement to her husband. She will be remembered for her love of children, but not just her own, all kids were welcome in her home and felt the love she had for them.
She is preceded in death by her husband; her parents; a granddaughter Penny Eidum; brothers Frankie, Fred, Art, Forrest Jr. and Tom Fowlkes; her twin sister Cerise Miles and sister Dorlis Atkers. She has three surviving sisters: Barbara Martin, Peggy Dalley, and Ruby Fowlkes, all of Billings. Additionally she is survived by a brother-in-law Glen Howard of Brush, Colorado. She leaves seven grandchildren: Paul Eidum, Kelly Howard, Kory Howard, Annah Howard, Lacey Howard, Jason Howard, and Ben Howard; eleven great-grandchildren; five great great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mother was a woman after Proverbs 31: one who raised her family with love and guidance. Among her talents were cooking, homemaking, and singing- each for which- she was uniquely gifted and we’ve been blessed for having been raised by her godly example. “Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.” Prov. 31:30.
A private graveside service will be held on August 25, at the Montana State Veterans Cemetery, Ft. Harrison. A service celebrating Bernice’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, August 26, 2017 at the Church of the Nazarene, 117 Valley Dr., Helena. A reception will follow the service at the church.
The family is grateful for the assistance and care given mother these past months by Compassus Hospice and especially to Shelby Cleveland and the wonderful staff at the Shelby House for the past several years of quality care given to mom. All of these individuals deserve our gratitude.
Those so choosing cam make memorial gifts to the Nazarene Church in Bernice Howard’s name. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Bernice.
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Friday August 25, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 26, 2017
Helena Nazarene Church
117 Valley Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday August 26, 2017
Helena Nazarene Church
117 Valley Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Graveside Service
Friday August 25, 2017
Montana State Veterans Cemetery
Heroe's Rd.
Fort Harrison, Montana 59636
Celebration of Her Life
11:00 a.m.
Saturday August 26, 2017
Helena Nazarene Church
117 Valley Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
After the service
Saturday August 26, 2017
Helena Nazarene Church
117 Valley Dr.
Helena, Montana 59602
Share
James & Maria Brown says
I have fond memories of Bill and Bernice when they came to Texas for a visit. We enjoyed having them here.
James & Maria Brown says
enjoyed thier visit to Texas
Kimberly Howard says
Sending our deepest condolences, and our prayers to the family. I just showed this to our grandson Braiden. I wasn’t sure if he would remember going to the family reunion and meeting his Great Great Aunt, but he did.
Our love, thoughts and prayers are with you!
Peggie Dalley
Lathan and Kimberly Howard
Jim Fowlkes says
Sending our fondest thoughts and prayers to a wonderful lady.
Jim & Martha Fowlkes
Vicki Hernandez and Laura Marshall says
Her Niece Dorothy (Brown) Blankartz and her family send our deepest sympathy to the family. Dot remembers her Aunt Bernice and Uncle Bill very fondly and takes comfort in knowing that Aunt Bernice has joined her twin sister Cerise and together they are angels singing down to us from heaven. With much love from our family to yours.
Rebecca Haehn says
Sweet dreams Aunt Bernice. You were always such a sweet, kind and inspirational woman who will live in my heart forever. You raised an amazing family and had much to be proud of. You and Uncle Bill are now together again and that makes me smile.
Brenda Staley says
I remember Bernice from when I attended The Nazarene Chruch here in Helena. She always had a smile. She was such a sweet lady. And one of my favorite things was to hear Bill play the saw. She is now at peace with Bill. Prayers of peace and comfort during this time. Hugs to you Myrna