Clara Gail Howard

Clara Gail Howard, 4 months old, passed away at the Children's Hospital at St. Francis in Tulsa, OK on Sunday, February 10, 2013 at 3:45 p.m. After struggling with a Congenital Heart Defect, she passed gently and swiftly from her Momma's arms into the arms of Jesus. Clara was born on October 13, 2012 and is the daughter of Billy and Elizabeth Howard of Broken Arrow, OK. After three boys, everyone thought this baby would also be a boy. Everyone except her Daddy! There was such excitement at the gender reveal party when the cake was cut open and it was pink! Since her arrival that sweet baby girl had everyone wrapped around her little finger. Her Daddy would play the guitar and sing to her which would make Clara's face light up, her big blue eyes dance, and she would smile from ear to ear. Even during the 38 days she was in the hospital, this darling baby had smiles and coos for everyone. The doctors, and especially her nurses, all fell in love with Clara Gail. As a homemaker and nursing mother, Elizabeth was able to spend many cherished hours holding and snuggling little Clara. Her big brothers were crazy about their little sister and will miss getting to hold her. It seemed Clara hated her car seat and would only be content if one of her brothers were in the back seat beside her. During her short time with us, she touched the lives of so many who knew her story. We are so humbled by the number of people reaching out to our family with prayers and words of encouragement. Clara is eternally loved by her parents, Billy and Elizabeth Howard; brothers, Jacob, Trenton, and Wyatt; Grandparents, Bill and Patricia Howard of Broken Arrow, Cliff and Brenda Wheeler of Muskogee; Great-grandparents, Bill and Marie Howard of Schulter, Donna McDaniel of Henryetta, Phyllis Dickerson of Broken Arrow, Louis and Ann Wheeler of Muskogee; her uncles and aunts, Steve and Ricki Howard of Broken Arrow; Melissa and Joe Daly of Norman, and Lisa and Scott Marcinkevicius of Muskogee, and numerous cousins and other family members. Waiting to greet Clara upon her arrival in Heaven with a game of marbles, were her Great-grandparents, Ennis and Avanelle Hammer and cousin, Matthew Marcinkevicius. She was such a joy for all of us and will be sorely missed until we meet again in Heaven. What a glorious day that will be!

Clara Gail Howard

October 13, 2012 - February 10, 2013