With parents like Mary Jane and Blackie Howell, no wonder Jean and her brothers are considerate, hospitable, fun, and funny. I’ve admired this family since I first met them in the ‘70s and have retold their stories to my family and students.
Mry Jane’s love of B and B BBQ sauce by the gallons is proof of a really good recipe. Blackie’s being Curtis E. Chicken at LSU games to promote courtesy is a valuable example of a pun. I stress to my family the Howells’ mealtime manners of taking the smallest or most unsightly piece and passing on the best.
I remember sitting in a room full of people as we listened to such funny stories. Including all friends, the Howell telling the story would give eye contact to each person listening, and everybody listened. Mary Jane’s laughter was contagious, which made her more fun.
Also I have shared the high school story about the time when Phil (or Jeff?) used his humor to make a bully, ready to fight, back off when Phil put up his fists (as Blackie the boxer had taught his son) and said, “I let my hands do the talking. Please don’t hit me!” It worked!
This family is so special to so many, and my heart is with theirs. Legendary! God bless us all. With gratitude, love, and sympathy, Gloria McKamie Silkwood
