Katie Howlett

Katie Mae Howlett passed away peacefully on March 30, 2022, in Kansas City. She was born on May 6, 1930, in Shaw, Mississippi. An only child to James Mack and Addie Mae Eggleston.

Katie was a born-again child of God and a member of Smith Chapel Methodist Church in Sikeston, MO before moving to Kansas City, MO in 1968. Upon her arrival to Kansas City, she joined Gregg Tabernacle

A.M.E Church under the leadership of the late Reverend Simmons where she was a Deaconess, Mother of the Church, and served on the Stewardess Board.

As the matriarch of her family, spending quality time and creating memories was vital. She would frequently host family functions at her home, were she would cook a spread of food for her immediate family and anyone else that would come to her home – all were welcome. She was loved by many and was referred to as Mama Katie, Katie Mae, Mother Katie, Ms. Katie, Mother and Grandma. Just as much as she was loved, she loved everyone and never met a stranger. It was very common for her to greet people by saying – “I Love You”. She never shied away from engaging in conversations with people and encouraging them in God. Everyone in Katies neighborhood including the city bus drivers knew who she was. She walked everywhere, averaging more than 20 blocks a day, well into her being 80 plus years of age. Staying active was extremely important to her, she refused to stop walking, even if it was simply walking around her apartment complex.

Katie worked hard to support her family, retiring multiple times. She was an employee of the Kansas City Public School District for 25 years, Volume Services America Inc. for 30 years, Greyhound Bus Company for 20 years, US Post Office for 5 years, and the Internal Revenue Service for 3 years. After she retired, she just couldn’t sit still, which is why she was affectionately referred to by one volunteer organization as “A Ball of Fire”. Katie took great pride in her community, and she volunteered throughout the Kansas City region for a countless number of years at De Lasalle High School, KCPT Channel 19, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Kansas City, Swope Parkway Health Center, St. James United Methodist Church. Also, the Shepard’s Center was also grateful for the 13 years that she served there as a Senior Companion.

She received a state award for her volunteer work as a local elections poll assistant. A recognition award from the Senior Companion Program of Westport Cooperative Services. TJB Foundations, Inc. presented her with their 6th Annual Unsung Octogenarian Citizen award as well as numerous other awards.

She was preceded in death by both parents James Mack and Addie Mae Eggleston. Daughter, Yvonne Howlett; Aunt Fredonia Harris; Grandson William Dancer; Great-granddaughter Shalon Dancer; Great great-granddaughter Emonnie Nunez-Bradford. She is survived by her children, Dr. Norman (Janice) Howlett, Mary Andrews, Larry (Collette) Mack, Jerry Mack, Curtis Howlett, Vanessa Howlett, Brenda Jones, Levoulia Howlett and Devoulia Howlett. 19 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; and a host of great great-grandchildren,cousins and extended family.

Special friends – Mr. Thomas Brown; Mrs. Susan Doolittle; Ms. Kate Root; and Mrs. Debra Bottemuller. She will be greatly missed.