Nancy Rae Howard

Nancy received her inheritance in God's heavenly kingdom at the age of 81. She was born in Centralia, Illinois to Raymond and Barbalee (Schwartz) Parker. Nancy's life revolved around her family, friends, and faith. Optimistic and cheerful, she was a beautiful woman inside and out. She was truly the "glue" that held our family together: problem solver, peacemaker, nurturer, and confidant. Personal warmth, kindness and compassion for others were character trademarks!Nancy committed her life to Christ at the age of 10 and her faith in the Lord never wavered. She was a member of Capitol Hill Baptist Church during her youth and later served there as a Sunday school teacher and in numerous other capacities. She joined St. Augustine Episcopal Church in 2004 and served on the altar guild. Her Christian faith was the guidepost in her life that helped her face and defeat breast cancer.Nancy received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Oklahoma and was a life member of Alpha Gamma Delta sorority. She also had a talent for decorating that was especially appreciated in our home! She was employed 34 years-17 years as an educator and 17 years in the oil and gas industry.Nancy taught Art at Capitol Hill Junior High. Years later after moving to Houston she taught English and Special Education/Special Needs at two high schools in Houston. She especially loved working in Special Education and was totally committed to giving her students unconditional love and encouragement. Like others in her profession, she usually brought food or extra money to work so some of her less fortunate students could eat. In her oil patch career she worked as the Office Manager for North American Royalties Inc. and later as Operations Assistant for Park Avenue Exploration/Petrocorp-both in Oklahoma City. She and Mike were married 42 years and enjoyed travel and dining out with family and friends. Her retirement years included continuing her love of reading, and staying connected to a small but intimate circle of childhood friends: Carolyn Pratt Harmon, Margaret Harris-Wines, Darla Pridmore Coleman, and Karen Seal Hooten. Survivors include her husband Mike, daughter Jennifer Jean Porter-Smith and grandson Dylan Mace Smith and daughter Sarah Suzanne Hughes and husband Jay. Nancy's pain and suffering are ended and she met this final challenge with courage and determination and without bitterness or anger. She has now been ushered into our Lord's presence and is united with her heavenly family and friends! Thank you, Lord, for giving us the BEST!The family wishes to extend a special thanks to Latreail Seymour with Home Instead Home Health as well as Crossroads Hospice for their caring support during Nancy's final illness. A Memorial Service will be held at Smith Kernke Funeral Home on Thursday, November 4,2021. The family request friends join them for a catered reception at 11:30 AM and services will begin at 1:00 PM.Memorial contributions may be made to either St. Augustine Episcopal Church, 14700 N. May Avenue, Okla. City, OK 73134 or the charity of your choice."This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it" (Psalm 118:24). This was Nancy's favorite verse.