Leeoma Howry

Leeoma Rollins Howry was born in Hughes Springs, TX in 1913 to Roger Rollins and Minnie Cates. Growing up with Roger's parents, Bob Rollins and Rachel Beavers, Leeoma attended Dicey and Peaster schools. When Leeoma wasn't busy climbing a windmill or chasing birds, she was reading anything she could find. This voracious appetite for knowledge helped her skip four grades in school, and continued throughout her entire life. During her school years, Leeoma developed a friendship with Norman Howry. They were married on Sept.12, 1928. After graduating early from school, Leeoma attended North Texas University where she received her teaching certificate. She continued her education at Texas Christian University, earning a Masters degree in Math. Her first teaching job was in Truce, in Jack County. Eventually they moved to Mineral Wells, where Leeoma taught at the Junior High School. Leeoma taught nearly every subject in school, and seems to be remembered most as a Math and English teacher. She also coached every sport except football, where her teams had a great deal of success. During her years in Mineral Wells, Leeoma also taught in one of the first homebound programs for young pregnant girls, helping them continue their education. In addition to her teaching at the school, she taught Sunday school and shorthand. Norman passed away in 1968, and is buried in Dilbeck Cemetery. Leeoma retired from the Mineral Wells school system. She continued her community involvement by serving as the secretary of the local chapter of the AARP, and as a member of the Retired Teachers Association. Leeoma was also fascinated with history of all kinds, particularly the history of the Peaster area, and its families. A book was published on Peaster history in 1982 due in large part to the research and efforts of her work in genealogy. Leeoma and Norman had two children, Jettie, who died at birth, and Dorothy, who lives in Forth Worth. Dorothy has two children, Stephen and Christi. Stephen lives in Peaster with his wife Lisa Gayda, and their sons Patrick, Bailey and Michael. Christi lives in Fort Worth with her son Ricky. Leeoma will be buried at Dilbeck Cemetery, 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, February 13, 2008.