Kristie Lynn (Higgins) Howard

Kristie Lynn (Higgins) Howard, 52, of Sealy, TX was born July 14, 1964 in Houston, TX to Robert Albert Higgins, Sr. and Linda (McPheeters) Smyth and entered into Heaven on May 25, 2017 after a courageous battle with Mesothelioma.  Kristie did not lose her fight, she finished it.  Kristie was strong and brave, defying the odds until the end.  She was surrounded by her loved ones that had been providing around the clock tender care for her when she took her last breath.  In the next moment she was face to Face with her Savior, whole and healthy, all tears wiped away by her King and Lord.  Kristie grew up and attended schools in the Houston area, graduating from Bellaire High School.  She was united in marriage to Neil Howard, on July 9, 2012, in Sealy, Texas.  Kristie worked as an Escrow Officer for many years, but she considered her greatest accomplishment and pride her son Tyler. She loved him from the moment she found out she was pregnant.  She is survived by her beloved husband Neil Howard of Sealy; treasured son Tyler Fuller of Sealy; cherished step-children Brittany Howard, Zachary Howard, and Nicollette Taylor and her husband, Chase, all of Magnolia; priceless grandsons Jase and Hudson Taylor, both of Magnolia; precious mother and step-father Linda and Dale Smyth of The Woodlands.  Kristie is also survived by her step-sister Pamela McGinty and her husband, Patrick, of Conroe; step-brothers Daniel Smyth and his wife, Kelly, of Spring and David Smyth and his wife, Melissa, of The Woodlands; along with numerous nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and friends.  Kristie is preceded in death by her incredible brother Robert Higgins Jr. and her father Robert Higgins Sr.  Kristie was a faithful and loving friend to many and had a passion and joy for living that was contagious.  She was fiercely protective of her friends and family.  She had a lifelong habit of lifting those up around her, bringing out the best in people and helping them to find their own inner strength. Kristie was a rarity in many ways...she was a beautiful glamour girl who also loved to be at the lake fishing and camping.  Kristie's smile lit up any room she entered and it was infectious. She was a down to earth straight shooter who could be strong as nails one moment and gentle and vulnerable in the next. Kristie will be missed beyond words by those who knew and loved her.  Kristie was intelligent, very witty and loved to laugh. She lived life to the fullest, as she loved to say: "You can conquer the day if you wear cute shoes!"     Pallbearers were Jeremy Green, Ryan Ignasiak, Brandon Howard, Taylor Howard, Leyton Howard and Adam Preslar. The family invites you to join them for lunch at St. Mary's after interment. Friends who wish may make memorial gifts to the: Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, 1317 King Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day ---- and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2 Timothy 4: 7-8