BENTON – Frankie Lou Howard, age 95, of Benton passed away on Sunday, April 14, 2024.
Frankie Lou was born on November 24, 1928, in Whittington, IL. Her parents were Dwight and Lois Sneed. She had four sisters who predeceased her: Louie Mae Sneed, Billie Sue LaMastus, MariEtta Grammar, Betty Katharine Mandrell. Madge Giovale and Dwight Lowell Sneed survive.
It was a Christian home where both parents taught Jesus. They attended church regularly as a family.
The Sneed Sisters grew up singing in their home. At the Wyatt Grade School, a special teacher, Miss Thelma, realized their family harmony and talents. She gathered the girls around the piano at free time. She taught them several songs. They were asked to sing in churches and on the radio.
Frankie Lou was saved at the age of 13 at the old Rescue Free Will Baptist Church in Whittington, was baptized and served there several years.
She graduated Benton Township High School. She worked as a secretary at the Hoe Supply Company in Christopher, IL
The Sneed family moved to Benton soon thereafter and transferred their membership to North Benton Baptist Church in 1949 when Brother I.E. Miller was pastor. Frankie Lou served with the youth, choir and YWA’s.
While in high school, she had a secret crush on Paul T. Howard, and attended North Benton Baptist Church. They both dated others, but it wasn’t until after joining the church, he asked her to go for a Coca Cola after services.
They were married June 24, 1951, and moved to Kevil, KY, to work. Frankie Lou worked as a secretary in the Engineering department of FH McGraw Construction Company, where Paul also worked. They lived there until Paul was called into the military. After service time, the Howard’s returned to Benton. They worked together as a family at Beaty’s Service Station. Besides being a full time mom, Frankie Lou was bookkeeper and runner for the business.
The Howard’s had 49 wonderful years together. Their home was blessed with David Paul, Dianne, and Douglas T.
Later, God added to the family Jo Ann (Reddy) Howard, Mark S. Crisp, and Kara (Kovarik) Howard. Grandchildren include Danny (Kathy) and Dena (Ernie) Howard, Dusty (Chelsea) and David J. (Bethany) Crisp, Dara (Colin), and Delana and Drew Howard. Great-grandchildren include Tristan and Keighly Howard, Roman, Elijah, Bo, and Rocky Franko, Rylee (Crisp) McGinnis, Raygan and Parker Crisp, Tinley Marie, Lexi Grace and Silas Joshua Crisp.
Paul went home to be with the Lord on September 20, 1999, but left a marvelous Christian heritage through his family. He and Frankie Lou served together and individually through the years and counted it as JOY!
Frankie Lou loved to read, knit, garden, and walk anywhere!
She loved the verse “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding.” Proverbs 3:5.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, April 20, at the Morton & Johnston Funeral Home in Benton. Burial will be in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton. Visitation will be from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Saturday at the funeral home.
The family requests no flowers. Instead they would prefer memorials be made to Zbinden Ministries.
For more information or to send online condolences, please visit www.mortonjohnstonfuneralhome.com.