Effie Bernice Howard

Effie Bernice Howard, 91, of Paragould, passed away Thursday afternoon, October 27, 2016, at Arkansas Methodist Medical Center (AMMC) in Paragould. She was born May 8, 1925, in Paragould. She is survived by her loving daughter, Shelia Weaver; son-in-law, Dennis Weaver; one brother, Harold Howard; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Barney Howard; parents, Henry and Sophia (Hampton) Howard; sisters, Pauline, Geraldine, and Imogene; and brothers, Edward and Henry, Jr. She was a member of Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church.

During World War II, she worked as an elevator operator in Detroit, Michigan. She graduated as valedictorian of her class at Dixie High School in 1946. She enjoyed telling stories of how she loved to play basketball with the Dixie Dragons. She met her husband, Barney Howard, and they were married in 1946. She worked at the Ed White Shoe Company in Paragould, Arkansas, for many years. And yes, she loved shoes.

She was simply a fantastic person who enjoyed loving all people and treating them as her own. She always had a beautiful smile, and many people greeted her by simply saying, "Hello, Blue Eyes!". She loved to cook, sew, and quilt. Just about everyone who knew her could share a memory of fun on the back patio of her home. She was the greatest mother a loving daughter could ever have.

She resided at Belle Meade Nursing Home from March 2009 until October 2016, and there she met wonderful caregivers who all fell in love with "Miss Bernice". That genuine, warm smile and wonderful spirit captured all their hearts, and she loved them back.

Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Sunday at Heath Funeral Home. Her life will be celebrated at 10 am Monday at Heath Colonial Chapel with Rev. Kenny Lee officiating. Burial will follow in Finch Cemetery. Memorials may be sent to Griffin Memorial United Methodist Church.