Alexis Howard

Alexis Nicole Howard, 19, of Richlands on September 12, 2015 has lost her long courageous battle to Lafora. Her family and friends were by her side as she earned her angel wings and drifted off to heaven. Alexis was born June 25, 1996 and graduated from Richlands High School in 2014.

Her life would seem short to many, but those who were touched by her smile understand that happiness far exceeds the time in which one lives. Alexis will be especially remembered for her gentle smile, warm hugs, giggles, quick wit, sarcastic comments, random licks and loving music.

As Lafora began to make her weak, she stayed strong by greeting each day with a smile; constantly reminding us of the preciousness of life. She enjoyed writing screen plays, listening to music, attending rock concerts, playing Sims, watching the Walking Dead/Worlds Dumbest and seeing the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway. Alexis' passion was simply being with her family and friends; especially her little brother Scotty.

Alexis is survived by her loving parents, Scott and Laurie Howard of Richlands, NC; her beloved little brother, Scott Michael Howard, Jr.; grandparents, David and Cheryl Dillahunty and William and Della Howard; best friends, Kari Nelson and Autum Meal; and all her friends that have been touched by her sincere and gracious smile.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, September 15, 2015 at Johnson Funeral Home, Jacksonville at 2:00 p.m. with David Dillahunty officiating. Burial will follow at the Onslow Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 12:30-2:00 p.m. on Tuesday prior to the service at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to: In Memory of Alexis Howard, Chelsea's Hope Lafora Children's Research Fund, P.O. Box 1984, Danville, Ca. 94526. Chelsea's Hope web page is www.chelseashope.org.

Condolences may be made at www.johnsonfuneralhomes.com and to www.littlerockfuneralhome.com.