Eulalia Imogene Busby Howard (" Buz ") departed this life on March 12, 2022, at The Health Center at AdamsPlace in Murfreesboro, Tennessee.   Eulalia was born on July 7, 1924, at her parents' farm near Rector, Arkansas.  She was the daughter of Calvin Busby and Beulah Payne, the granddaughter of Mary Mahala Wright and Berry Benjamin Busby, and Fannie E. Hudson and Richard Frank Payne.

Eulalia was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Wallace Jay ("WJ") Howard, her sister Vadalia Pruett, and her brothers, Bert Busby, and Derrell Busby.  She is survived by her daughter Melinda Jayne Tant (John), granddaughter, Tiffany Tant Shafer (Chad), great-grandson Miles Shafer, her son, Douglas Jay Howard (Linda), and granddaughter Gracelyn Ariel Howard.

A long-time resident of Kennett, Missouri, Eulalia worked until retirement at the Missouri Department of Social Services.  She was known to carry, in her car, coats and shoes in children's sizes because of the many children she would encounter in her work that did not have winter clothes.  She was baptized and later married (on Easter Sunday, 1950) at the First Baptist Church, where she faithfully attended and served for 70 years.  She approached the next life with the assurance that she would meet her Heavenly Father, and the firm belief she would "see mama and papa again."  She was a 50-plus year member of the Order of the Eastern Star.  She was legendary in remembering birthdays and sending birthday, get well, and thank you cards in a timely manner.  She was dearly loved by her family and friends.

There will be a private graveside service.  In lieu of flowers please send donations in her honor and memory to First Baptist Church, 300 St. Francis Street, Kennett, Missouri 63857.

McDaniel Funeral Service of Kennett is in charge of arrangements.