Vashti Jordan Howes Wallace

Vashti Jordan Howes Wallace passed away peacefully at the age of 96 on December 19th, 2023. Vashti, also known as Vi, lived her life in service first to God and then family, friends and anyone in need.

Vashti was born in Homerville (Clinch County), Ga on June 28, 1927, to the late Eli Alexander Jordan and Lizzie Dieas Jordan. Being the only girl in a family with 4 older brothers, and after losing her mother at a young age during the Great Depression, she quickly grew to become a strong, independent woman. She graduated from Suwannee High School in Live Oak, Florida in 1947. During her first marriage to Walter Robert Howes, and while raising two children, she worked her way through vocational-technical school and became a licensed Cosmetologist. Meanwhile, she and Walter renovated their three-story home where she owned and operated her own beauty salon for many years. The enormous Howes family home, where the door was always open, is fondly remembered by her children, as well as many nieces, nephews and cousins who have wonderful memories of it as their home away from home. Vashti was a true Southern cook, and wanted everyone to feel warm, welcomed, and well-fed in her home. Most every Sunday she would spend hours in the kitchen preparing a delicious feast for family and friends. She was a faithful member of the First Baptist Church in Live Oak for over 30 years where she taught Sunday School, sang in the church choir, and volunteered in any way she could. Her deep, abiding Christian faith and work ethic were qualities that sustained her throughout her lifetime.

After the passing of her first husband, Vashti married Charles Franklin and moved to Lakeland, FL to be near her son, Frank, and his young family. She cherished those years being closer to family and embraced her role as a devoted grandmother to her two beloved grandsons, Patrick and Jordan. While grandmothering, she went back to school for her teaching certificate and soon became a licensed cosmetology instructor to many adoring and appreciative students.

Some years after Charles’ untimely passing, she met Hassel (Jack) Wallace and was soon happily married again. She and Jack had the time of their lives while enjoying retirement to the fullest. They shared an interest in dancing and traveling, and became inseparable while touring the U.S. in their RV. A few years after Jack’s passing, Vashti moved to Tallahassee, FL in 2012 to be close to her daughter, Judy. While there she enjoyed many meals and gatherings with family and friends, cheered on the Florida Gators, played and gracefully won countless card games, and, as always, extended a helping hand to anyone in need whenever she could.

Vashti’s kind, sweet Spirit, and her gift of unconditional love will be missed by her family, friends, and all who were
blessed to know her. Until her last days, not a family birthday passed without a thoughtfully written card from her. She touched the lives of so many through her tenderness and generosity, a living example of unwavering Christian faith, kindness, and compassion. No doubt, she is now among God’s angels, shining her light of love upon us all.

Vashti was preceded in death by her parents, former spouses, and four older brothers: Alvin, Coy, Aaron and Henry Jordan.

She is survived by her son, Frank Howes (wife, Anne) and daughter, Judy Howes (husband, Bill Williams); grandsons, Patrick Howes (wife, Kacee) and Jordan Howes (wife, Courtney); great-granddaughter, Isla Howes; grand-goddaughter, Sarah Wilkinson; stepdaughters, Margie Strickland and Galeen Schuler; step-granddaughter, Sherri Strickland Kantaras; first cousin, Mary Gilmore; and many other beloved step-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.

A Celebration of Life Service was held at Harris Funeral Home in Live Oak, FL on December 30th at 1:00 pm. Her ashes were interred in the Howes family plot at the City of Live Oak Cemetery. Donations in Vashti's honor can be made to Unity of Tallahassee church or the Tallahassee Animal Shelter Foundation.