Carolyn Cox Howard

Carolyn Cox Howard passed away peacefully on August 21st , with both of her daughters at her side.

Carolyn was born in Marlin, Tx on June 1st, 1931 to R.E. Cox Jr and Margaret Bowman Cox. In 1933, she and her family moved to Fort Worth as her father and grandfather opened the first of six Cox’s Department Stores. She attended Lily B. Clayton, McLean Jr. High and graduated from Paschal High School class of 1949. Carolyn attended The University of Texas, pledged Kappy Alpha Theta, and most importantly she met the love of her life, Elray Howard. They were married November 22, 1952. After Elray graduated from law school, they moved to Houston and resided there for the next seven years, where both of their daughters Margaret and Elizabeth were born. In 1959, they moved to her hometown of Fort Worth where Elray joined the family business.

Carolyn had a lifelong love of art and was a gifted portrait artist. She created commissioned portraits until her mid 80’s that still hang proudly in the homes of her clients today. She also had a heart for serving others and was deeply involved in her community. She was an active member of The Woman’s Club, The Junior League, and The Assembly, and she shared her love of art as a docent at the Kimbell Art Museum. She also served on the board of All Church Home, generously giving her time and talents to help children and families in need. Wherever she was or whatever she did, she formed life-long friendships, including her beloved bridge club, whose members played together for over 50 years.

Carolyn and Elray were married for 49 years until his passing in 2001. Together they shared not only a great love for each other, but they shared a strong faith, after their lives were transformed in 1973. They both lived out their faith. Her delight was to share how God redeems, heals and transforms all that give their hearts to him. Her beauty and joy came from knowing she was loved by her Savior and Lord. She never hesitated to share her testimony, asking even strangers if they needed prayer. This faith inspired Carolyn and Elray to buy a small house to convert to a place of ministry. Many people remember the “Faith House” as a place where their faith was discovered and nurtured. She also opened her art studio on one side of the house where she lived out her passion for her faith as well as art.

Carolyn loved to travel. Although they made many trips to Europe throughout their years, she had a great love for Colorado and New Mexico, especially Red River, Sante Fe and Taos. It was here that they built wonderful memories with their daughters during summer vacations. It became a home away from home.

Carolyn felt that her greatest achievements were her children and grandchildren. She made life fun for her daughters and their friends, hosting great parties, including all the neighborhood children, great times at their lake house and making the holidays special. As a grandmother, Bema was loved dearly. She was delighted to have her grandkids at her house where no rules existed, whether it was playing house with her finest china and crystal or letting them play dress up in her wigs. They also built memories with them at their ranch in Tolar. She always gave the best of herself to her family and friends.

Carolyn will be missed for her beautiful red lipstick smile and the kindness that she showed to all, whether you were her friend or a stranger. This joy remained with her throughout her life, and it was a joy due to her faith in Jesus. She blessed all for so many years. She was busy living fully and making the most of each day that she had been given.

We will miss her, but her legacy will live on because of how many lives she has touched.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her loving husband of 49 years, W. Elray Howard, grandson Preston Arnold, nephew R. E. Cox IV, brother R. E. (Earl) Cox III, and her dear companion of 9 years David Kerns.

Survivors: Daughters, Margaret Howard Scheidmen and husband Jay, and Elizabeth Howard Simmons and husband Joel; grandchildren, Austin Arnold and wife Annie, Parker Scheideman and wife Summer, Ann Scheideman Huffman and husband Trey; seven great-grandchildren, Owen, Carter, Emmy, James, Charlotte, Libby and Sam. Nieces, Melissa Cox Manos and Maria Cox Stringer.

In lieu of flowers the family would suggest donations to the All Church Home www.achservices.org , Wings Over Texas Hospice www.wotxhospice.com or the charity of your choice.

Special thanks to all of Carolyn’s caregivers at Grace Homes in Granbury and all of her hospice workers.

Carolyn has been laid to rest at Greenwood Memorial Park at a private family graveside service.

Her beautiful legacy of faith, love and family will live on in all who knew and loved her.