MERRILYN MABRITO HOWARD
Aug. 1, 1926-Feb. 3, 2016
Merrilynn Mabrito Howard died Feb. 3, 2016, at the home of her daughter, Carol Diane in Charlotte, N.C. She was surrounded by her family as she passed into the arms of her Lord, and was pain-free at last.
Merrilynn was born in San Antonio, Texas, Aug. 1, 1926, to Agnes and Hector Mabrito.
She attended Stephens College in Columbia, Mo., and graduated from the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Arts degree in merchandising.
She enjoyed her retail career at Joske's in Texas and Sears in Goldsboro, but her true passion was her large family she shared with her husband, retired Lt. Col. Harold E. Howard, who predeceased her Jan. 25, 2005.
She is survived by her three daughters, Sherry Barton (husband, Christy) of Columbia, Mo., Carol Harris (husband, Rock) of Charlotte, N.C., and Karen Abourjilie (husband, Charlie) of Greensboro, N.C.; her treasure trove of 10 grandchildren, Brett Barton, Elise Deeble, Amaris Worstell, Todd Harris, Jaira Grathwohl, Courtney Harris, Erin Clark, Jordan Abourjilie, Cole Abourjilie and Austin Abourjilie; and 15-plus great-grandchildren, Serai, Marek, Silas and Ariya Barton, Mia, Brianna and Hadley Deeble, Brooke, Brenna and Brielle Grathwohl, Addie, Graham and Owen Harris, Alivia and Haley Worstell and Bennett and baby Clark due March 14.
She was also extremely blessed by those who married into the family, Elly, Dan, Ryan, Julie, Tim and David.
The family wishes to thank her dear circle of friends, who gave her much joy and companionship through the years. They played bridge and dominoes, shared books, went to plays and dinner together and traveled to each other's beach and lake houses on fun-filled trips.
Merrilynn will always be remembered for her knitting, sewing and craft talents, her quick wit, the birthday cards she always remembered to send and her natural beauty on the outside and inside.
Although an only child, she was a true military wife, who honored her husband by managing the family in his absence and making decisions with great wisdom.
She was pragmatic about her cancer diagnosis, and never complained about the changes it brought to her active life. Her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren have been blessed by her great legacy.
If you wish to make a donation in her memory, the family suggests Hospice and Palliative Care, Charlotte Region-South Charlotte, 7845 Little Ave., Charlotte, N.C., 28226, who so lovingly cared for her family and her during her final days.
A private family memorial is planned at Howard Family Lake House in Clarksville, Va.
(Pd)
Published in Obituaries on February 7, 2016 12:00 PM