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BORN
1928
DIED
2022
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JOSEPHINE HOWARD Obituary
"Jo" was a resident of Georgetown, South Carolina and moved to Wilmington several years ago to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne Howard and Don Brown.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from South Carolina State College and a Masters of Music Education from the Indiana University School of Music. A lifelong educator, she loved music and was a positive influence on the lives of scores of young people in Georgetown through her work at Choppee and Winyah High Schools. She was the first African-American teacher selected as the Georgetown School District Teacher of the Year, a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year and a South Carolina Honor Roll teacher.
Mrs. Howard's entire life was blessed and enriched by her love of church music. She served for over 50 years as Minister of Music, Choir Director and Organist at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, SC. She was a representative for the 7th Episcopal District for the A.M.E. Church on the International Commission on Worship and Liturgy. This Commission compiled the Bicentennial Hymnal and the Book of Worship. She also served as a faithful member and leader of the Women's Missionary Society at Bethel.
She was the recipient of numerous awards from the A.M.E. Church on all levels as well as recognition by the greater Georgetown community. These awards include: the Georgetown District A.M.E.C. Sons of Allen Award; the Hospice Award; the Delta Sigma Theta May Week Award for outstanding service in the preservation of African American history; the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Fine Arts Award; and the Distinguished Artist Award from the Indigo Choral Society.
"Jo" was a proud Diamond Member (75 years) of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was a Charter Member and 3rd Basileus of the Mu Phi Omega Chapter.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Bruce C. Howard, Sr., her son Bruce C. Howard, Jr. and seven (7) siblings, Madison Bernard, Charles, Harlowe, Jeanette, Ruth Ella, Beulah and Matthew.
She is survived by her daughter Lynne Howard (Don Brown), Wilmington, DE; four (4) grandchildren: Twanna (Henry), LaGrange Georgia; Eric, Huntsville, AL; Derek (Megan), Meridianville, AL; and Austin, Wilmington, DE; four (4) great-grandchildren: Miley, Eric Jr. "EJ", Kingston and Jayden; one sister-in-law Dorothy Howard; nine (9) nieces: Michelle Howard Harrell, Bertie Ruth Howard, Elisa Claire Staley, Laverne Jenkins, Phyllis Caldwell Poget, Karen Stewart, Audrey Martin, Gwendolyn Burton and Antoinette Owens; six (6) nephews: Frank Howard Staley, Matthew Caldwell, Charles Clendening, Robert Stewart, Richard Caldwell and James Caldwell, along with a very special friend Charlesann Buttone and host of dedicated family, friends and neighbors.
Celebration of Life Services were held on Saturday July 9, 2022 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Music Ministry at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 417 Broad Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 or to a charity of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for JOSEPHINE HOWARD
Sponsored by Wilds Funeral Home - Georgetown.
July 21, 2022
Mrs. Josephine Howard was indeed a distinguished music educator and accomplished classical organist.
She set a high bar for other musicians and I greatly admired her professionalism. A dear family friend, a role model and a genuinely lovely lady, Mrs. Howard will forever be warmly remembered. I extend much love and heartfelt sympathy to Lynne and the bereaved family. May God grant you peace and solace.
~Gladys Manigault Watkins
July 21, 2022
Washington, District of Columbia
LEON RICHBURG
July 11, 2022
AN APPRECIATED, KIND AND
GODLY SOPHISTICATED SERVANT.
REST IN PEACE !
LEON N.,VIRGINIA RICHBURG
& FAMILY !
CENTRAL CONFERENCE AMEC
Mary Rice-Crenshaw
July 8, 2022
Your life is a testament to the impact one person can have on so many lives. As a former student and former principal of Choppee High School, I thank you for your love, mentoring and leadership.
Love you forever,
Dr. Mary Rice Crenshaw
1975 Graduate
1990 -2000 Principal
Wilhelmena Rice-Cranston
July 8, 2022
Mrs. Howard was one of the most influential persons in my youth. As a student at Choppee HS. In the 60s, I was a member of the award winning Choppee High Choir, and could not wait to go to choir practice. She taught us so much about music and how to sing the correct way, breathing techniques, vocal exercises, how to listen to yourself, how to stay on key, and so much more. She cared so much about her students. I loved her kindness, her love for us, her beautiful smile, the discipline she insisted and instilled in us, and all the years of beautiful music she taught and shared with us. With those years of personal training, I was able to pursue a career in the music industry, and the opportunity to record a record. She was the reason for my confidence, and I will never forget her, she was simply the best, an amazing and phenomenal woman and teacher. My sincere condolences to her family.
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James Carolina JR.
July 7, 2022
Mrs. Howard greatly enriched the Christian worship experience of Bethel AME Church, Georgetown, S. C., and established an extraordinary legacy of commitment, faithfulness, and service. I will always be grateful, with sincere condolences.
Earline Curtain Simmons
July 6, 2022
It is not easy to sum up in a few words how much knowing Mrs. Howard meant to me. She was an invaluable part of my education at Choppee High School! She was more than a choir director. She was an outstanding mentor and role model. The life lessons she gave in that room are immeasurable! Enjoy your well- deserved rest, Mrs. Howard. You have finished the course, my beloved teacher and Soror. Prayers and condolences to the family.
Patricia Burgess
July 6, 2022
Sincerest condolences to the family. Mrs. Howard was my sister's music teacher in 1960 at Choppee. I recall is her many accolades of a beloved educator and mentor. So sorry for your loss.
Linda Sills Hodges Lawrence
July 6, 2022
With deepest sympathy, "For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, Peace be within you." Ps. 122:8
Mertis Gadson
July 5, 2022
To the family of our beloved Soror Josephine Howard,it is with sadness and joy to have known such a great lady. She was also one of my teachers at Choppee and was very devoted to her job. She have truly lived a life worth remembering. To the family "Jo" is happily looking down upon you and all the people who had the honor of knowing her. Take you rest, you are truly one of God 's . You all are in my prayers
, Barbara
July 4, 2022
My Prayers and sincere Condolences to the Howard family! Sorry for your loss, she was a beautiful lady inside and outside. ❤❤
Jiles Verdelle
July 4, 2022
Condolences to the family. Mrs. Howard has always displayed dignity and grace. This is something she instilled in her students and others that came in contact with her. She was always an open book. Her life teachings will remain through the generations forever. May the family have peace and strength in knowing that God shared her with us. Blessings.
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