Patricia "Pat" Dekle Howard

Patricia “Pat” Dekle Howard, a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, teacher, and pillar of the Enterprise, Alabama community, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 97.

Born in Chipley, Florida, on April 11, 1928, Pat was the sixth child of Thomas Archibald and Marie Helene Shivers Dekle. Raised in a devout Christian home, she joined her church at the age of eleven and found her lifelong calling soon after—teaching Sunday school. By the time she was fourteen, she was already guiding others in faith, a ministry she would faithfully continue for over 50 years.

While attending Florida State University, Pat met the love of her life, James Burkett Howard. They were married in her hometown on August 17, 1951, and together they built a beautiful life filled with service, devotion, and purpose. In 1961, they settled in Enterprise, Alabama, where they immediately joined First Baptist Church. There, Pat continued her legacy of Sunday school leadership, beginning with the College and Career class and, in 1972, courageously starting the church’s first-ever couples’ class—bringing men and women together in a way that was both progressive and deeply meaningful.

Pat wore many hats throughout her life: substitute teacher at Enterprise High School, debate coach, college instructor, real estate agent, and tireless civic leader. She played an instrumental role in transforming the old post office into the Enterprise Public Library and served on the inaugural board of the YMCA, helping secure its current location. Her fingerprints are on countless local institutions.

Her community involvement was wide-ranging. Pat was a proud member of the Daughters of the American Revolution, United Daughters of the Confederacy, Friends of the Library, Enterprise Music Club, YMCA Board, Library Board, City Recreation Board, the League of Women Voters, WMU, AAUW, and the FSU Library and Alumni Association, among others. She believed deeply in the power of civic service and education—and lived that belief every day.

Pat was preceded in death by her parents, her five siblings—Frances Lauderback, Neal Dekle, Helene Richards, Tommy Dekle, and Carolyn Johnson—and her husband of 64 years, Burkett Howard.

She is survived by her two children, Cindi Wehrly, Oak Ridge, TN and Rick Howard (Brenda) , Enterprise, AL; her five grandchildren, Josh Howard (Hannah), Enterprise, AL, Leah Farris (Matthew), Oak Ridge, TN, Andrew Wehrly (Nikki), Harriman, TN, Caleb Howard (Audrey), Mobile, AL, and Marie Thompson (Lewie), Enterprise, AL; and her seven great-grandchildren, McKinley Howard, Davis Howard, Teddy Howard, Nora Farris, Hazel Thompson, Natalie Howard, and Lincoln Thompson.

Her legacy is imprinted on every corner of Enterprise—through her faith, her service, and the many lives she touched. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Enterprise First Baptist Church Library, Enterprise State Community College, or the Enterprise YMCA, some of the many places blessed by her vision and dedication.

The family would also like to thank the following caregivers whose unwavering support and dedication helped us during the past several years; Helga Reynolds, Heather Purdy, Cutrena Williams, Sydell Wilson, and Samantha McDonald. Also, thank you to ACG Hospice, 966 Claxton Avenue, North, Elba, Alabama 36323.

There will be a private graveside service, with a celebration of life to be announced at a later date.