Ollie Lee Howard
Ollie Lee Phillips was
born on a farm in Bastrop County, Texas. She was the first of four
daughters of Sallie (McDade) and
Horace Phillips. A twin brother, Rollie Dee, was born at the same time
on September 14, 1911. Ollie's siblings were in the order of age: Raymond, Clyde,
Ira, Rollie, Helen, Vallie, and Tommie. Only sister Tommie remains today.
At the age of 23 Ollie married Elmer Charles John Howard on January 21, 1934 in Houston. Ollie still has her "Hope Chest" given to her by her parents. Elmer worked as a truck driver and later in life as a machinist. They lived mostly in Texas but also lived in Denver for awhile. Their only child, Betty Ann, was born on August 11, 1935 in Austin. After Betty's birth Elmer and Ollie moved to Houston and lived there for the remainder of their married years. Their favorite past time was fishing with family and friends.
Ollie was a homemaker most of her life and did a fine job raising her daughter. Ollie and Elmer worked in a defense plant during World War II. Elmer passed away in Houston on December 23, 1972 after a short illness. Ollie then came to California to live with her daughter Betty and her husband Robert Wayne Crismon. Ollie remains a member of that family today. The top photo on the left was taken in 1973.
Ollie's extended
immediate family
includes Grandsons: Samuel Wayne, Anthony Wayne, Casey Wayne, and Cristopher Wayne.
Ollie proudly claims all six Great Grandchildren as her own. They are: Michael Wayne and Sara Elizabeth, children of Sam; Jake Wayne and Joshua Wayne, children of Casey; and Maisey Marie and Zachary Wayne, children of Cris. At one time or another many of the Grandchildren and Great Grandchildren lived near Ollie and all dearly love her as their very own “Granny”. Bob's son Sam and wife Karin, son Tony and wife Norma, son Cris and wife Beth, and Bob's brother Fred and wife Polly all live close by and also claim Ollie.
The photo below with her two great grandchildren was taken at Ollie's 93rd birthday party on September 14, 2004. Throughout the years Ollie has shared her wonderful personality and witty humor even while being a Hospice patient three different times. Mentally alert, even at her advanced age Ollie maintains a disciplined exercise program that affords her an enjoyable quality of life. Of course, Betty's loving care giving has been a strong influence on Ollie's happiness and well being.
Ollie Lee Howard passed away on September 11, 2005 in the loving arms of her daughter, Betty. Ollie had lived with Betty for the past 32 years. Ollie is buried next to her husband at the Woodlawn Garden of Memories in Houston.