Frances "Jim" Howze passed away on April 20, 2007, at the age of 80. Jim was born in Rotan, Texas to George Poston and Thelma Frances Baker on March 29, 1927. She is survived by her loving husband William J. Howze (Bill). They shared a marriage of 56 years of unending love and devotion. Her two daughters Connie Howze Stall & son-in law William of Boerne, Texas; Kim Frances Howze Marceaux & son-in-law Brent of Bay City; grandchildren Shawn & Julie Marceaux; Chris & Susan Stall. Jim was an English teacher in Bay City I.S.D. for thirty-two years. She served as department chair and in various capacities in the educational system at both the state and national level. She was a charter member of Beta Sigma Phi and a longstanding member of the Advisory Council for Community Education. She served as Regent of the local Mary Rolph Marsh Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Her greatest gift to the educational community was her unwavering desire to prepare her thousands of students she taught for success in both education and life. Jim and Bill were married in First United Methodist Church of Bay City and remained dedicated members of their church. Jim and Bill began their love of travel by taking high school students to Europe and Great Britain as a part of the International Leadership Group for many years.
Pallbearers are Clyde Workman, George Durett, Emil Sliva, John "Hooty" Estlinbaum, Bill Stall, Brent Marceaux, Shawn Marceaux & Chris Stall. Honorary Pallbearers are members of the Friendship Sunday School Class of First United Methodist Church. The family invites friends and extended family for viewing at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home on Sunday April 22, 2007 from 5 - 7 P.M. The funeral service will begin at 10:00 A.M. Monday April 23, 2007 at First United Methodist Church. Graveside will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts to be given to the building fund of First United Methodist Church or to the Alzheimer's Association.