1914 - 1991

Aunt Audie Lou Howell was born 1914 in Hickman County, Tennessee. She was the daughter of Henry Melvin Howell and his first wife Melissa Buie. Her bloodline may indicate she was a half sibling but her love for grandpa's other children whole hearted shows she was a full hearted sibling.

Melissa left Henry Melvin when Audie was about four months old. They moved to Arkansas and grandpa looked but never found them. He did not see his daughter again until after my mom was married and had several children.

Aunt Audie married John Stuckey and they lived at Bauxite, Saline County, Arkansas. After they married Uncle John brought Aunt Audie to Tennessee in search of her father. This story is heartwarming with a little laughter mixed in. I will post it on my stories page.

Once Aunt Audie found her family she stayed in touch as much as possible. Sometimes we would go to Arkansas for a week in the summer and others she would come visit us for a week or two. If Uncle John couldn't come with her she would ride the greyhound bus and we would be waiting on her in town.

Aunt Audie was a kind loving Aunt. She was happy to have her family and she let it be known. Even though grandma was only four years older than Aunt Audie she called grandma mother and gave her the greatest respect. Grandma loved Aunt Audie dearly and vice versa.

Aunt Audie always had a new recipe for a cake, pie or new dish to prepare for us when we were together. She would let me chatter on and on asking questions. She would answer my questions and tell me stories always with soft patience. She cooked the first pineapple upside down cake I had and she taught me how to make them.

Uncle John and Aunt Audie owned several house in Bauxite. Bill and Fanny Broadway lived in one of those house. Aunt Audie had gone to school with them and dated Bill when she was young. They were all very good friends. Bill and Fanny had several children that we played with when we were visiting. Mary was Bonnie and Brenda's age and I think Sharon was my age.

Many years after Uncle John and Fanny died, Bill and Aunt Audie married. They loved each other and took good care of one another. Aunt Audie had breast cancer and she battled it for many years. When she was sick Uncle Bill waited on her and saw to it she wanted for nothing. He was as kind and warm hearted as Aunt Audie. They were a great match.

Uncle John and Aunt Audie never had children but Aunt Audie loved all children. She raised one of John's nephews and she loved him as if he was her child. I don't remember Marion but I remember seeing his photo at her house and when Aunt Audie spoke of him her clear blue eyes lit up like Christmas lights. There was never a doubt how much Aunt Audie loved him.

Look for more about Aunt Audie on the stories page.

bjrodgerz@charter.net