Kathryn (Kay) Tompson Howard's Obituary
Kathryn “Kay” Ellen Tompson Howard died in Houston, Texas, on January 12, 2024, at the age of 89. She was preceded in death by her husband Bill Nolan Howard and her parents Dr. G.W. and Edythe Tompson.
Kay was born at home on October 29, 1934 in Urbana, MO. When she was a child, the family moved to Kansas City and lived with Kay’s maternal grandparents while her mother taught school and her father worked nights at an bomber factory and attended medical school during the day. After completing his Doctorate of Osteopathy, Kay’s family moved to Jacinto City, Texas in 1948 so her father could start his medical career. The family joined First Baptist Church of Jacinto City shortly after arriving in Texas, and Kay remained a dedicated and active member until declining health made it impossible.
After graduating from Baylor University in 1956, Kay went to work with her father at Community Hospital in Jacinto City. Dr. Tompson was one of the founders of the hospital, and Kay established the medical records department. Her career in medical records continued for more than 40 years and included serving as President of the Texas Medical Records Association, becoming Dean of Medical Records Administration at The University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, and ending her career in Information Management at Methodist Hospital. At Methodist Hospital she became their staff specialist handling Medicare denials, and each year she fought to make sure the hospital was correctly reimbursed for providing outstanding patient care.
Upon retiring from Methodist Hospital, Kay grew restless and realized her work experience had prepared her for a new career opportunity as church secretary and general office administrator. She served at First Baptist Church of Jacinto City for almost 15 years until deteriorating vision and a general dislike of computers forced her to retire once again.
1956 was a pivotal year for Kay because it was also the year she married Bill Howard, a marriage that lasted 53 years until Bill’s death. Bill had been an active and long-time member of the Galena Park Rotary, and Kay joined him in Rotary activities as her work schedule allowed. She also served on the Board of Community Hospital Foundation, taught Sunday School, and served as a volunteer poll worker.
Kay is survived by Brother Willard Tompson and his wife Martha “Lu” of Dallas, Texas. Sister-in-Law Juliana Rutherford and husband Ron of Johnson City, Texas. Sister-in-Law Charlotte Fade of Chester, Texas. Daughter Cynthia Latour and her husband Mark of Houston, Texas. Son Dr. Bill N. Howard and his wife Tammy Bone of Akron, Indiana. Daughter Kathy Shelly and her husband Don, along with Granddaughter Alexis Rawley, her husband Jacob and their son Connor, all of Houston, Texas. Son Michael Howard and his wife Beckie, along with Bonus Granddaughter Rachel Heredia, her husband Steven, son Matthew and his daughter Kayla, daughter Chloe and son Aiden also from Houston, Texas. Numerous loving cousins, nieces and nephews along with their extended families.
Kay’s family would like to sincerely thank the exceptional caregivers and staff at Reunion Court-Clear Lake and the Home Health and Hospice Teams of Living Hope.
For those wishing to honor Kay with a memorial gift, the family asks you to consider First Baptist Church of Jacinto City (10701 Wiggins St., Houston, TX 77029).
A visitation will occur on Wednesday, January 17, from 4 to 7 p.m. at San Jacinto Funeral Home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Thursday, January 18th, at First Baptist Church of Jacinto City. Following a luncheon at the church, the burial will be at San Jacinto Memorial Park cemetery at 2:30 p.m.
What’s your fondest memory of Kathryn?
What’s a lesson you learned from Kathryn?
Share a story where Kathryn's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Kathryn you’ll never forget.
How did Kathryn make you smile?
