ROBBIE E. HOWARD Robbie was born to Robert and Mary Davis on October 3, 1914. She was the second of five children and grew up in Waxahachie, TX. The importance of education was ingrained in her mind and heart early in life. The Davis family was known for their strong belief in education and had a rich history in Waxahachie public schools dating back to the late 1800's. Robbie began attending school at the age of five, although it was common for most children to start at six or seven. Her early educational exposure allowed "primer school" to be bypassed and immediately start first grade. In 1930, at age15, Robbie graduated from Oak Lawn High School (she was the last living member of her class) and went on to attend Prairie View A&M University. After receiving her teaching certificate in 1932, she taught on and off in rural schools. In 1948 Robbie graduated from Paul Quinn College with her Bachelor's Degree. Robbie married Atkins Boyd and together they had a son James "Jimmy". Later she married Wardell Howard. Both husbands preceded her in death. In 1956 she returned to Waxahachie and taught until her retirement in 1974. Mrs. Howard was selected as one of the teachers to help model the way when Waxahachie integrated in the 1970s. She had a special "knack" for handling "problem students". Children were sent to her classroom to receive the discipline, love and attention they needed. Year after year the lives of all who walked through her classroom door were touched. Since retirement, Mrs. Howard has been actively involved in the Waxahachie community. She has been a member of Joshua Chapel A.M.E. Church since the age of 14 and served as Sunday School Superintendent and Stewardess for a number of years. Mrs. Howard also enjoyed volunteering for the Girl Scouts and was a member of Christian United Women. She traveled extensively and enjoyed reading, working crossword puzzles, sewing, crocheting and watching the Wheel of Fortune. Mrs. Howard was one of five long time educators to be remembered through the naming of campuses and buildings. The Robbie E. Howard Junior High is a lasting legacy of her belief in education and what it gives each student. In her closing remarks at the school's dedication Mrs. Howard stated: When my time is up and I stand before my Maker, I'd like to be able to say: "God, I don't have one ounce of talent, love, compassion, or energy left, I used every bit you gave me." So my advice to you today is: "Use What You Have" Mrs. Howard is survived by her son, James A. Boyd (Barbara), granddaughters, Nicole Triplett, Amanda Berry (Gordon), great grandchildren, Gianna Telarico, Andre Clay, Nicolas Triplett, Laila Clay and Alexandria Berry, brothers, Carroll Davis and Martin Van Davis (Blynthia), and a host of family and friends.