Emily D. Howard

Emily D. Howard, age 91, of Lawrenceville, Illinois, passed away on March 21, 2026 at her home. She was born January 29, 1935 to William C. Harper and Stella M. Wheeler in Norris City, Illinois. She was married to John T. Howard on June 26, 1953 and he preceded her in death on September 12, 2024.

Emily D. Howard was a devoted wife, mother, and woman of deep and abiding faith who poured her heart into both her family and her community. Alongside her husband, she proudly owned and operated Johns Mower Sales in Lawrenceville, Illinois, where her strong work ethic and warm spirit were evident to all who knew her. Emily was an active member of Bridgeport Free Methodist Church, and in earlier years faithfully served as treasurer and song leader at the First Church of God, sharing both her talents and her love for worship. She found great joy in reading her Bible, as well as in embroidery and flower arranging. Known for her wonderful sense of humor and compassionate heart for the underdog, Emily was a true prayer warrior whose faith guided her daily life. Above all, she was a loving mother with ample wisdom.

Preceding Emily in death were her parents and husband, John; an infant daughter, Pearl May Howard; a grandson, Daniel Banks; and a sister, Judith Schall.

Survivors include: three children, Anita (Robert) Banks of Evansville, Indiana, Dana (Kelley) Howard Elder of Evansville, Indiana and Rebecca (Charles) Sue Arnold of Lawrenceville, Illinois; a sister, Evalene Savage of Mt. Vernon, Illinois; a brother-in-law, Norman Schall of Melvin, Illinois; seven grandchildren, Ruth (Josh) Devine, Audrey (Chris) Hatfield, Loren (Michael) Crask, Eden Daugherty, Kyle Laslie, Abigail (Benson) Worley, Julia Bauer and her partner Matthew Kopie; a granddaughter-in-law, Cheri Banks; eleven great-grandchildren, Nicholas Banks, Matthew Banks, Alexis Banks, Jaxson Banks, Phoenix Divine, Zoe Hatfield, Paige Daugherty, John Daugherty, Benson Worley V, Amelia Crask, JB Crask and one great-great-grandchild, Carter Lee.

Funeral services will be at Bridgeport Free Methodist Church on Friday, March 27, 2026 at 3 pm. Visitation will be 1-3 pm at the church. A graveside service will be held at IOOF Cemetery on Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 2 pm in Norris City, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Bridgeport Free Methodist Church, Tunnel to Towers Foundation or St Judes Children Hospital.