IL HR1439

Catherine J. "Kaye" Howell passed away on October 5, 2016, and the Illinois House of Representatives mourns her death.

Howell was born on April 15, 1935 in Benton and earned multiple degrees from Southern Illinois University, including a Master of Arts and Specialist degree in higher education.

She had a 50-year career as an award-winning artist and art educator, teaching at Marion High School, Southern Illinois University, and John A. Logan College before retiring at age 73.

Howell was active in Democratic politics as one of the longest-serving precinct committeewomen in Williamson County and founder of the Williamson County Democratic Women's Association; she was also named Art Educator of the Year by the State of Illinois.

Howell is survived by her husband Charles E. Howell, two sons, two stepdaughters, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.