After a 4 year battle with cancer, Jena Lou Howard left her earthly home for her heavenly home, with her daughter by her side, on Friday, March 11, 2016 at 10:30am.   She leaves behind her only child Shannon D.(Allen) Toll, son in law Doug Toll, and 3 beautiful grandchildren; Samantha J. Moore, Alex Moore, and Brylin Toll. She lost her significant other, Carley Allen in July 2014 to cancer.

Jena was born in Henry Co. Feb 26, 1955 to Charles W. and Lucille E. Howard, now deceased. She has 6 siblings: Peggy Roseberry, Roberta Lay, Dale Winchester, Wanda Keith, Michael Howard, and Lisa Byers. She also has multiple nieces and nephews. One who was very special to her was her nephew Brett W. Ratliff. They had a unique bond. He did all kinds of nice things at her home to help her. But most of all he just made her laugh and she loved him dearly just as he loved her the same. Her sister Roberta took her to many of her oncology and doctor appts. Their relationship was more of a mother daughter kind. But they were great friends. Roberta held a special place in Jena’s heart. Jena’s daughter, Shannon, had recently moved in with her mother so she wouldn’t be alone in her last days. Those times are priceless.

Jena had an infectious laugh. One friend said that her laugh is now “lighting up heaven right now” She loved flowers, daisies were her favorite, sunshine, cleaning and being outside. When she was well, she was always on the go. Always found things to do. But her passion was for animals. She has rescued and saved so many dogs and cats. Too numerous to count!!! She has left behind her big dog Petey, who loved her just as much as she loved him. He has taken care of her and been by her side throughout her entire cancer fight. She never turned an animal away. She was also very giving. She would give someone the shirt off of her back to help them out. She was always for the underdog.

Jena’s request was to not have a funeral, but to be cremated and have a service in the Spring when the pretty flowers are blooming. The Celebration of life will be held at her Carthage residence at a later date, yet to be determined.

In honor of Jena, please make a donation to the Humane Society, or any cause that rescues and saves animals. Or donate to the American Cancer Society