Katie Mae Howard (née Bryant) was born September 28, 1933, in Brickeys, AR to Harry Bryant and Lillie Hunter.  She was the oldest of 11 children, her parents and 6 siblings Frank, Odelia, Lillie, Willie, Carl, and James proceeded her in death.

Katie moved to Saint Louis in 1952 where she started her career in cooking.  She was a great cook and worked at several restaurants over the years.  Her love of cooking and feeding everyone did not go unnoticed.  Her house was always full and she was always a joy to be around.  She never met a stranger and you could always count on getting a plate if you were there when she was cooking.  She was a loving kind and considerate person.

In 1958 she met the love of her life Abraham Howard and they were married on April 16, 1960.  Abraham and Katie enjoyed their life together raising their children.  He preceded her in death along with three of their sons, Jerry, Amos, and Marvin.

In 1967 Katie studied the bible with the Jehovah’s Witness organization and was baptized on 10/9/1968.  She was a devoted Christian and spent many hours in the field ministry teaching others from the bible. She enjoyed traveling to the headquarters of Jehovah’s Witnesses in New York and eating at Old Country Buffett with her friends Catherine Tinsley and Alberta Dobson. She believed in the hope that the bible reveals at John 5:28 29, which assures us that we will see her again.  Her favorite Kingdom Song was “Watch How You Walk”.

Katie, Big Momma, Big, Grannie as she was called by her loved ones fell asleep on Friday, December 30, 2022  at 11:54 PM.  She was surrounded by her three daughters and several of her grandchildren.  She was the pillar of her family and she leaves a legacy for them to hold on to.

She leaves to hold on to those memories her four sisters: Nancy Gloden of Leslie Ark, Shirley (Troy) Green of Little Rock, AR, Carolyn Henderson of St. Louis and Rosie Johnson of Little Rock AR.

Two sons: Eddie(Gloria) of Forth Worth, TX, Alvin(Bonnie) of Gardendale, AL

Three daughters Katherine(Henry) Mooney, Joyce(Albert) Douglas both of St. Louis, MO, and Sophia(Richard) Mills of Memphis, TN.  Two Daughter In Laws, Cynthia and Valerie of St. Louis.

75 Grand Children, a host of Great and Great Great Grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and many many friends.  A very special friend for over 50 years Willist Wilson and a bonus son Jackie Tumlin.