CAMPTON - Deborah Jean Howard, 42, died Friday, July 24, 2009, unexpectedly.

She was born in Concord, the daughter of Marjorie N. Howard and the late Roy J. Howard. Deborah worked at Newfound Regional High School teaching 10th-grade English. Ms. Howard was also actively involved with the drama organization.

She graduated from Plymouth State University in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in English and in 2007 with a master's degree in special education.

Deborah was an active member of the Campton Congregational Church for eight years, where she taught Sunday school.

Ms. Howard was crowned Miss New Hampshire in 1991. She continued involvement with the Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Pageant Association as a judge for many years.

Deborah enjoyed music and was an accomplished piano and violin player. She loved gardening, teaching and especially family, in particular dress-up with Skylar. She will be greatly missed by family and friends.

She was predeceased by her father, Roy J. Howard, who died in 2007.

Deborah is survived by her mother, Marjorie N. Howard; three brothers, Wayne Howard of Nashua, Glenn Howard of Concord and Douglas Howard of Hillsboro; one niece, Skylar; and a nephew, Quinn.

Calling hours will be held tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Funeral Home, 3 Church St. Chapel, Concord.

A celebration of her life will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at First Congregational Church, 177 N. Main St., Concord.

Burial will follow at Blossom Hill Cemetery, Concord.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Newfound Regional High School Memorial Fund, 150 Newfound Road, Bristol 03222; Special Olympics of New Hampshire, 650 Elm St., Suite 200, Manchester 03101; or Miss New Hampshire Scholarship Program Inc., 20 E. Broadway, Derry 03038.

Bennett Funeral Home of Concord is in charge of arrangements.

For more information, go to mem.com.