Jessie "Tootsie" Howard

Jessie Lee Howard, 83, longtime resident of McGregor passed away Friday, September 27, 2013 after battling a heart condition for many years. Memorial services will be 4 p.m. Sunday, September 29, 2013 at Grace Gardens Funeral Home, 8220 Woodway Dr with Rev. Walter Davidson officiating.

Jessie was born December 18, 1929 to Jess B and Will Bess (Turpin) Farrar in Leon Junction, TX. There Jessie attended New Olive School, a primary and secondary school. She moved to McGregor and went to McGregor High School, where she meet James Edwin Howard, her future husband. They were married April 20, 1946 in McGregor. Jessie was also a long time member of College Ave Baptist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, James Howard, and sister, Monty Ray (Beck) Smith.

Jessie is survived by her son, Charles Ray Howard and wife, Pat, of Temple; daughter, Debbie Walker of Lorena; sisters, Betsy Cash and husband, Kenneth, and Janice Bell; 6 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Jessie was a loving wife, mother and grandmother, she will be missed.

The family would like to thank Hillside Manor Nursing Center for their thoughtful and loving care.