Nellie M. Howard

Nellie M. Howard, 80, of Cherry Valley, surrendered to her battle with cancer at home on July 29, 2011 on the morning of her 53 rd anniversary. She was born July 9, 1931 in Blackford, Kentucky, the daughter of Eldridge Guy Sheffer and Annie Pearl Sheffer as the oldest of five children. Nellie married Huston Eugene "Bill" Howard on July 29, 1958 at Black Grove Baptist Church in Clay, Ky. Nellie graduated from Wheatcroft High School in 1949. She earned a BS and a MS in Business Education from Murray State University in Murray, KY in 1955 & 1958 respectively. Nellie began her teaching career at Equality, IL in 1956. In 1963 she moved to Rockford to continue her teaching career at Roosevelt Junior High, Guildford High School, Jefferson High School, and she finished her teaching career at East High School. She retired from teaching in 1989. In 1978 she moved to Cherry Valley, IL. Nellie and Bill enjoyed traveling through out their lifetimes. They visited all 50 states, several Canadian Provinces, and Cancun Mexico. Bill and Nellie believed in the importance of family and this was demonstrated by how she loved her husband, son and daughter-in-law, grandchildren, nieces and nephews, and the children of her nieces and nephews. Nellie loved reading books by Christian authors. She also was excited to be able to see Billy Graham's Library in North Carolina. Nellie and Bill also loved collecting and refinishing antiques. Nellie and Bill believed in supporting many Christian organizations over the course of their lifetime. Nellie is survived by her husband, Huston, of 53 years and a son, Mark, of Bourbonnais, IL; sisters, Helen Hill of Morganfield, KY and Lucy Spiceland of Muscle Shoals, AL; a brother Guy Sheffer of Mount Vernon, IN; daughter-in-law Debra Howard of Bourbonnais, IL; 3 grandchildren Wes Howard, Jenna Howard, and Kendall Howard, several nieces and nephews; and the children of her nieces and nephews. Nellie was preceded in death by her parents, and her sister and brother-in-law June and Harold Cherry of Sterling, IL. Nellie had received her faith in God as a young child and she was born again at that time. Her prayers to go to her eternal home without much suffering were answered swiftly. Life won't be the same without her, and we look forward to our grand reunion in heaven. Graveside services for the family and immediate relatives will be at Arlington Cemetery Friday, August 5, 2011 at 2:30 pm. The visitation and memorial service are open to everyone and will be held Saturday, August 6, 2011 at First Evangelical Free Church at 10:00- 11:00 am with services at 11:00 am. A luncheon will follow the services at the church. In lieu of flowers please make donations on Nellie's behalf to the Rockford Rescue Mission. On line tributes at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.