With hearts full of gratitude for a life well-lived, we honor the beautiful legacy of Gloria McCravy Thompson Howe. In addition to being a wife and mother of three, "Wowa" as she was affectionately called by many, spent years working within state health commissions. She began in Spartanburg, SC, at the SC Mental Health Commission for 15 years, later moving to Tampa, Florida and working at the Florida State Commission for 16 years. After moving to the east coast of Florida, she volunteered at Health First hospital for 12 years, along with her late husband, a courtesy cart driver, Richard "Dick" Howe. She loved to travel, taking tons of pictures on the numerous trips with Dick. More recently, she enjoyed visits from friends, playing bingo and attending music evenings with others at the Salterra at Melbourne Senior Living facility.

She is survived by her loving family: six grandchildren, Elita Sharpe, Allison Sharpe, Megan Griffin, Marlene Buschow, Mitchell Staszak and Rachel Staszak, ten great-grandchildren, sister-in-love, Sandra McCravy, son-in-love, Brad Petty, and countless cousins, nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, grand-nephews and friends.

Gloria is pre-deceased by her husband, Dick, her sisters, Hilda Gray and Dorothy "Dot" Martin, her brother Larry McCravy, her three children, Meldra Vicario, Brian Thompson, and Huann Petty, and her youngest grandchild, Jennifer Petty.

Gloria's generosity and love of life touched everyone she met. May her memory be a blessing to all who knew and loved her.

A private service will be held for the family.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you please consider a donation in Gloria's name to First Church Melbourne, Beachside, (formerly St. Mark's United Methodist Church) https://firstchurchmelbourne.org/give/ , 2030 N. Hwy A1A, Indialantic, FL 32903 or the 55+ Club of Satellite Beach, https://55plusclubofsb.com/  (1089 S. Patrick Drive, Satellite Beach, FL 32937)

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set for me

I want no rites in a gloom filled room

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little, but not for long

And not with your head bowed low

Remember the love that once we shared

Miss me, but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take

And each must go alone.

It's all part of the master plan

A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart

Go to the friends we know

Laugh at all the things we used to do

Miss me, but let me go.

Christina Rossetti