Janet Rattray Howerton

Janet Rattray Howerton, 71, of W. Park Dr., Morganton, NC died Wednesday, December 28, 2005, at Grace Hospital following a period of declining health. She was born in Wilson County, NC on July 25, 1934 and was the daughter of the late Melvin Henderson Rattray and Virginia Griffith Rattray. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her brother, Melvin Rattray, Jr. Janet graduated from St. Mary’s Junior College in 1954 and then attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She was well known as a wonderful confidant of her friends and many of her children’s friends. She visited her friends, the sick, and the infirm. She was always interested in her family and corresponded frequently. We have enjoyed recounting memories by rereading her letters that were saved. Janet was an excellent bridge player who competed avidly. She loved dogs and was seldom seen without one in the front seat of her car. Janet radiated a tremendous sense of humor.

Surviving are her husband, Philip Thomas Howerton, Sr., of the home; her son, Philip Thomas Howerton, Jr., of Morganton; her daughters, Ginny Howerton of Boynton Beach, FL and Mary Todd Peters and her husband, Mark, of Chapel Hill, NC; and grandchildren, Kayley Peters (age 9), Rachel and Melissa Peters (age 5), all of Chapel Hill.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, December 30, 2005, at the First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Michael R. Bailey officiating. The family will receive friends Friday from 1 until 2 pm in the church parlor. Memorial contributions may be made to Save the Children, 54 Wilton Rd., West Port, CT 06880, or to the American Red Cross, Burke County Chapter, 305-A W. Union St., Morganton, NC 28655. Sossoman Funeral Home is assisting the family with arrangements.