Elizabeth Iola Robinette Howard, age 88, of Denver NC, passed away January 22, 2022, at home after a long journey to peace. Iola, daughter of Albert and Agnes Hager Robinette was born March 13, 1933 in Denver. She retired from Duke Energy in 1988 after a career as a Computer Supervisor.
Iola loved her husband, her children, and her granddaughter unconditionally and loved them to the very end. As the saying goes, she was the glue that held things together. The oldest of five siblings, she enjoyed spending time with her brothers and sisters and their families. Although Iola lived on the lake, her love of the beach was well known, spending much of her retirement years at their home in Morehead City, NC. She enjoyed fishing and playing on the beach with her granddaughter. Iola probably loved the beach so much because that is where she could get the freshest seafood, which was her favorite meal. She loved to shop and would often leave home to browse stores for gifts she could buy for her family, especially her granddaughter. Iola loved flowers, and Gerald would pick from his own garden for her on a regular basis.
Iola is preceded in death by her husband of 64 years, Gerald Howard. She is survived by their three children: son Greg Howard, daughters Jan Phillips and husband Andy, Amy Buss and husband Rick, and their cherished granddaughter, Casey Dacus. Iola leaves behind her beloved siblings who nicknamed her “Polly” from their childhood; Jane Harris (husband Gene); Sarah Ballard (husband Roger, deceased); Jim Robinette (wife Miriam); Bud Robinette (deceased); and Rene Duckworth (husband Whitey); her nieces, nephews and their children who were all very special to Iola. So special in fact, she was voted “best dessert buyer” every Friday when they would meet for lunch.
We wish to express our love and gratitude to Iola’s extended family; the Phillips, Starken, Dacus, Cloninger and Abernethy families.
The family was blessed to have loving caregivers for Iola and would like to especially thank Treena Crumbley and the staff of Stress Free Home Care. We also express our appreciation to Beth Robinson and Waynette Bauknight.
Iola’s family and friends will always remember her lovely smile and beautiful blue eyes.
A service to celebrate Iola’s life will be private. Memorials may be sent to the Hospice organization which assisted with her care at Carolina Caring, 3975 Robinson Road, Newton NC, 28658.
I got the pleasure to know Iola and Gerald Howard when Rick, my son, married into this wonderful family. Our sympathy and prayers are with you all as she will be truly missed. You can all know in your hearts that both your parents had the best care possible in their final days here on earth. They will be celebrating their anniversary together again, but up in heaven this year. Love, Ginny and Tom