Deloris “Jean” Howk, a beacon of faith, love, and selflessness, passed away peacefully at The Oaks at Liberty Grove in Rowlett, Texas, on August 19, 2025, at the age of 88. Born on May 12, 1937, in Hamlin, Texas, Jean was the cherished daughter of A.B. “Pud” and Dorothy Young. Growing up in a close-knit family, she learned the values of resilience, hard work, and steadfast faith– qualities that would come to define her long and impactful life.
Jean was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 59 years, Bernoye Howk; her parents; and her sister Cindy Young.
She is lovingly remembered by her brother Butch Young and his wife Betty; her children Pete Howk and his wife Renee, daughter Dee Dee Hamblin and her husband Mark. Jean, also known as Mammy, was the devoted grandmother to Kristyn Salman and husband Kesley, Blake Hamblin and wife Shelby, Keely Howard and husband Randall, and Luke Hamblin and wife Abby. Her legacy continues through her 8 great-grandchildren: Kennedy and Kayden Salman, Cole, Andrew and Avery Hamblin, Karsyn and Emmett Howard, and Copelyn Hamblin. Jean was also a loving aunt to many nieces and nephews.
Those who knew Jean will remember her as a woman of remarkable strength– spiritually, emotionally, and physically. Deeply committed to her faith, she served as the Parish Administrator for Church of the Resurrection for over 30 years and later continued her involvement with Christ Church Rockwall. Jean’s sacrificial and spirited nature, coupled with her unwavering devotion to her family and her church, drew people to her wherever she went. She guided generations not only in her family but also within the broader faith community and her assisted living community, becoming a mentor and inspiration to all.
Jean’s passions were as vibrant as her personality. A fierce competitor in her youth, she played basketball and was a catcher for the softball team in high school long before girls’ athletics gained wider recognition. Family remained the central joy in her life. She relished every moment spent with her grandchildren, attending their sports games and supporting their every endeavor with enthusiasm and pride. Above all, Jean’s home was always open, her support unwavering, and her prayers constant. Whether organizing church events, or cheering from the sidelines, she embodied a loving presence that will be deeply missed yet gratefully remembered.
A celebration of Deloris Jean Howk’s remarkable life will be held at 2 PM on Saturday, August 30, 2025, at Restland Funeral Home, Memorial Chapel, 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX 75243. All who knew and loved her are invited to attend.
As we remember Jean, we hold close this promise from Philippians 3:20-21:
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his Glorious body.”
Deloris Jean Howk has entered her eternal rest, leaving behind a profound legacy of faith, love, and selfless devotion to her family and community. She will remain in our hearts forever.
