Mary Lou Howard of Newport, Arkansas, departed this life on Saturday, September 28, 2024, at the age of 72. She was born June 22, 1952, in Harrisburg, Arkansas, the daughter of Cecil D. and Betty Lou (Johnson) Sullins.
Mary was a member of the Newport High School Class of 1970, where she was an active member of the Newport High School Marching Band, proudly serving as a majorette. She cherished her time with the band, fostering lifelong friendships and a deep love for music.
On January 16, 1970, Miss Mary Lou Sullins married Mr. Danny Dwight Howard, and together they shared 39 wonderful years full of love. They built their home in Newport, where they raised two children and worked side by side at Howard Trucking. Mary retired in 2009, after a fulfilling career dedicated to both family and work.
Mary was a devoted and active member of the Tuckerman Church of Christ, where she found comfort and strength in her faith and enjoyed the fellowship of her church family. Her commitment to the church was unwavering, and she often participated in various church activities, always offering a helping hand to those in need.
She loved watching the changing of the leaves in the fall and traveled with family to different places to witness the vibrant transformation of the season. The beauty of autumn brought her peace and joy, making it one of her favorite times of the year.
Her greatest love was her family, and nothing brought her more joy than spending time with them. Mary was always up for any adventure, whether it was traveling together, simply enjoying each other’s company, or spending time on the water at Greers Ferry Lake. She had a special talent for organizing family gatherings that were always filled with laughter and love, creating memories that will be cherished forever.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Danny Dwight Howard on May 11, 2009; two brothers, Cecil David Sullins and Bobby Brock; one sister, Kathryn Sullins Carney; and her parents.
Mary is survived by one son, Danny Howard II and wife Billie Jean, of Newport; one daughter, Dana Howard Beard and husband Ed, of Newport; her grandchildren, Dylan Howard and wife Madison, Brett Bennett, Bentley Bennett, Riley Howard, Karrigan Crabtree, Emily Beard, and Evan Beard; two brothers, Michael Sullins of Newport, and Alan Sullins and wife Rochelle, of Vilonia; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Eugene Howard and Kathy, Terry Howard and Carol Ann, and Sandra Sullins; a friend who was like a sister to her, Jacqueline Smith; a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins; and a lifetime of friends.
Friends may visit the funeral home, on Wednesday, October 2, 2024, from 5:00-9:00 p.m. Funeral services are at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, October 3, 2024, at Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home Chapel, with interment at Balch-Johnston Cemetery.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Michael Sullins, Alan Sullins, Eugene Howard, Terry Howard, Joe Johnson, and Coy Thompson. Honorary pallbearers are Gary Don Bennett, Dennis Browning, Ricky Harris, Bill Darby, and Ed Beard; members of the NHS Class of 1970; members of the NADT Dance Academy and Let’s Dance Studio.
Arrangements by Jackson’s Newport Funeral Home.
