Vickie Lynn (Hightower) Howard

Vickie L. Howard, age 66, of Marion, Ohio, was peacefully called home to be with the Lord on Christmas Day at her residence. Vickie was born on February 19, 1959, in Bucyrus, Ohio, to Clarence W. Hightower Sr. and Katherine E. (Johnson) Gundy, both of whom preceded her in death. She was also preceded in death by her stepfather, Harwick Gundy Sr., and her brother, Clarence W. “Chuck” Hightower Jr. She married Darrell Howard on October 20, 2007, and he survives.

She is survived by her two children, her son Charles Booker of Marion, Ohio, and her daughter Sarah (Clayton) Millisor of Marion, Ohio, as well as five stepchildren David Howard, Auburn (Martin) Chevalier, Adrien (Stephanie) Howard, Samantha Howard, and Erin Howard. Three brothers, Harold Hightower of Mansfield, David Hightower of Bucyrus, and Harwick Gundy Jr. of Marion also survived her; and one sister, MaryAnn Cook of Fort Wayne, Indiana; along with a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews.

Vickie was an exceptional athlete who used her passion for health and fitness to create the Grooves dance class at the Marion Family YMCA. What began as something small grew into something truly beautiful, building friendships and motivating others to achieve their personal goals. Before her time at the YMCA, she worked at the Salvation Army Thrift store and Whirlpool. Vickie was a pillar in the Marion community and loved spending time at Diverse Dance Moves Studio, where she shared that same passion while encouraging and uplifting youth. She was a woman of deep faith and a familiar presence at church each Sunday, always committed to her family and her faith. Like her mother, she never met a stranger. Vickie was the true definition of a “people person,” shining her light and kindness on everyone she met.

Friends and family may call at Boyd’s Funeral Home on Friday, January 2, 2026, from 4-6pm. The family will have a smaller service afterwards.

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