Helen Amerman Howard

Helen Amerman Howard peacefully passed away on September 20 in her home in Yadkinville, NC following a long illness. She was 96. Helen was born on September 9, 1918, and grew up on a working ranch near Castle Rock, Colorado along with her 3 siblings, Richard, Mae, and Tom. During her early days, she lived a true pioneer life: her family lived entirely off the land, her home had neither electricity nor running water, and she rode her horse to school. After graduating high school, she held several government jobs, before meeting and marrying her love, James Floyd Howard in July, 1947, following a brief 'fairy-tale' romance. After her marriage, she supported her husband as a homemaker, and followed him wherever his military career took him. Later, Jack's career as an electrical engineer took them back and forth from El Paso, Texas to Winston-Salem, NC. They finally settled on a small farm in Pfafftown, NC. They lived their entire shared life deeply in love. Helen was a strong partner during Jack's long illness in the 80s, and was by his side when he died of leukemia in 1990. She moved from Pfafftown to Yadkinville in 2010, when she was no longer able to be alone and care for her beloved farm. In 1955, while living in El Paso, the couple adopted two infant girls, who were less than 6 months apart in age. This began Helen and Jack's adventure raising ‘twins'. Helen was deeply dedicated to her family, and instilled her own pioneer independence and love of nature in her daughters. She also took on care of her own parents as their lives waned, and they both lived and died in the Howard home. Helen had a caring, nurturing spirit which she also shared in numerous volunteer causes throughout her life. Helen was an avid gardener, baker, and a master canner, so there were always yummy, home-made things to eat in Helen's home. She also enjoyed camping and travelling with her family, and made every adventure rich in expectation and reward. It was her goal to insure that her children saw every state in the US. She ‘pushed' herself to continue travelling after Jack's death, and visited several places in Europe. She was also an accomplished artist in oil and acrylic, and collaborated with Jack in stained glass. Helen had a deep interest in history and marveled at the historical events and changes she was able to witness in her own long life. She taught herself how to use a computer and composed an award winning history of College Park Baptist Church and a personal family history while she was in her 80s. She loved reflecting and reminiscing, and recorded many precious thoughts and adventures while participating in Pensters, a writing club in Winston-Salem. Helen was a committed Christian, and a long-time member of College Park Baptist Church in Winston-Salem. She attended Deep Creek Baptist Church after moving to Yadkinville. She is forever grateful for the Christian fellowship offered by these caring congregations. Helen is also grateful to her girls, Deborah Lou, and Judith Lynn Howard, her physician Patricia Klein, and Mountain Valley Hospice for their loving and attentive care. She will continue to live in the lives of all she touched through her infectious love and sense of wonder. A memorial service will be held at College Park Baptist Church, 1701 Polo Rd, Winston-Salem, NC on Wednesday, September 24, at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, please consider a memorial contribution to Mountain Valley Hospice, PO Box 1267, 320 W. Maple Street, Yadkinville, NC, 27055.

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