Patricia Cecile Howard

Patricia Cecile Howard, 76, of Kirby, Arkansas, passed away on Friday, October 10, 2025.

Born Patricia Cecile Watson, she was the only daughter of William Cecil Watson and Myra Lee MacMahan of Whitney, Texas.

Patricia was the beloved wife of Charles Dewayne Howard of Kirby, Arkansas; the loving mother of Michael Codie Mishler (spouse Janet) of Severn, Maryland; William Roy Sheffield (spouse Tami) of Wylie, Texas; and Russell Dewayne Howard (spouse Jamie) of Baxter, Minnesota. She was blessed with nine grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren, who brought her endless joy.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Myra and Cecil.

Known affectionately as Trish or Trisha, Patricia retired from the Texas Department of Criminal Justice after 20 years of dedicated service. After moving to Arkansas, her passion for helping others through training led her back into the workforce, where she continued to share her knowledge and experience until the age of 74.

Patricia’s lifelong love of horses filled her days with joy and adventure. She competed in barrel racing, pole bending, and many other equestrian events, and found great peace on the trail with her horses, camping and traveling with friends and family.

She was a faithful member of Bethlehem Baptist Church in Kirby, Arkansas, where she found fellowship and community.

Funeral Services will be held on Tuesday, October 14, 2025 at 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church with Bro. Jack Herring officiating. 

Visitation will be held an hour prior to services from 9:00 AM until 10:00 AM at Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church. 

Interment will be held at College Hill Cemetery.