April 25, 1932 – April 29, 2022
Lillie Velcine (Pratt) Howard was born April 25, 1932, to Pink B. Pratt and Frances Eleanor “Lena” (Lakey) Pratt in Bono, Arkansas.
She passed from this life to her new Heavenly home on April 29, 2022, to join her husband, parents, sisters and brothers.
Velcine graduated from Jonesboro, Arkansas, High School at age 16 and from business college when she was 18 years old. She was immediately hired to be the court stenographer for Craighead County Court House. She worked there until she met Billy “Bill” Howard on a bus to Little Rock, and they married Jan. 2, 1955. Soon followed three children, Sharon, Jerry and Marsha. She was an executive assistant until they moved to Bethany, Oklahoma, in 1964. Later, she worked at John T. Brown’s Store in Bethany and formed a lifelong friendship with Rosie Brown and her family. She happily retired when grandchild Matthew arrived and kept her grandchildren until they started preschool. It was a paradise for the children to learn how to play hard, garden and learn what unconditional love truly is.
Velcine was a fierce and feisty strong force in a tiny body. She was fearless in her love for God, her faith and family. She didn’t get caught up in rules, but there was definite expectations of good behavior. Her children’s dreams became hers. Regardless of what her children wanted, Bill and Velcine figured out how to make it happen. The word “no” was rarely spoken.
She was extravagant with her kindness and loved our friends as family.
She loved the outdoors and taught the grandchildren to ride bikes, plant flowers and vegetables and love nature.
In her early years music was a big part of her faith. She played the piano and accordion in the church orchestra. When she became ill and lost her eyesight, music was a great comfort. She knew every word to gospel, Elvis and cowboy songs but also loved classical music, especially The Three Tenors and the Celtic Women.
After spending 45 years in Bethany, Velcine and her son Jerry moved to Piedmont to be closer to family. Jerry unselfishly cared for his mother during her final years.
She is preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, Bill Howard; parents, Pink and Lena Pratt; brothers, Hillis, Hardy and Junior (Pink) Pratt; sisters, Venora Crump, Veleta Barnes, Vera Boyles and Visa Mae Pool; and two infant siblings, Howard Isaiah and Velva.
Velcine is survived by her children, Sharon Gering and husband Kent, Jerry Howard, Marsha Norman and husband Mike; grandchildren, Matthew Gering and wife Vivian, Andrew Gering, Joanna Roller and husband James, William Tucker and his father Buddy Tucker, Mica Norman and fiancé Chris von Brandt; and great-grandchildren, Harper and Haddie Roller, Silas von Brandt and Noah and Liana Gering.
Velcine is also survived by many nieces and nephews who she loved and adored.
The family would like to thank Dr. Douglas Brant, Sr., and Lyn Brandt for being mother’s primary physician for over 51 years. You love, friendship and humor, paired with your brilliance, have made this journey so much easier.
We would also like to express special gratitude and thanks to Epworth Hospice for mother’s care since November. Providing gentle care and love, Cathy (Schwenke) Allen, Director, Nurse Hope, Aide Maybel, Social Worker Kim and Chaplain Adrian. You treated mom and all of us with warmth and respect.
Funeral arrangements are through Mercer Adams Funeral Service, 3925 North Asbury Ave., Bethany, Oklahoma, 73008. Visitation with family present is Friday, May 6, 2022, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., with funeral services scheduled for Saturday, May 7, 2022, at 1 p.m.
