Barbara Howard

Mrs. Barbara Ann Holmes Howard was the daughter of the late John E. and Lucille S. Holmes. She was born in the Bronx, New York, and was preceded in death by her husband of 49 years the late Rev. James W. Howard I, her parents, grandparents, James Scott and Minnie Savage Scott, and brothers, Bundles, John, Jr., and Johnny. She departed this life on Thursday, March 7th, at the Medical University of South Carolina, Orangeburg.
She was called Barb by friends, Aunt Barbara, or Auntie Butch by nieces and nephews, but her Momma affectionally called her “Butch” as the oldest of 11 children. She was educated in the Williamsburg County School system. Upon graduation from Tomlinson High School, she entered Claflin College and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She received a Master of Education degree from South Carolina State College, along with additional graduate studies in reading and learning disabilities and she completed coursework at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. Her certification included elementary education and special education.
She had been a member of Mt. Zion United Methodist Church of Kingstree, SC, since childhood and, after matrimony, became a member of St. Paul’s Episcopal Church until her husband’s death in 2012. She then joined her children at Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple of the Apostolic Faith. While employed for 50+ years by the Orangeburg County Schools as a classroom teacher, reading support specialist, adult education teacher and coordinator, and teacher on special assignment, she touched the lives of thousands of children and adults. She finalized her career as the Save the Children program coordinator and sponsorship liaison for Dover Elementary.
Barbara was an outstanding educator. She was named Teacher of the Year during her tenure in Bowman County Schools. Her affectionate nature and enthusiasm for teaching earned her numerous other honors and recognition from her peers, parents, and district administrators. She was a member of the South Carolina Education Association/National Education Association, where she was the school representative. She established the Females of Elegance Girls Club and led and served on numerous school committees. She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women’s Organization Church Women United, assistant superintendent of the Episcopal Church School, Altar Guild Chairperson, and the Mother’s Board of Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple. Additionally, she was a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Incorporated.
On August 31, 1963, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life James William Howard of Orangeburg. Four lovely children were born into that union.
She leaves to cherish her fond memories: two faithful sons, James W. Howard II of Orangeburg, SC and Jon Wesley I (Tracy) Howard of Latta, SC; two loving daughters, Dr. Beth A. Howard-Brown (Bennie) and Brooke A. Howard of Orangeburg, SC; five adoring sisters, Burnie (Julius) Barnes of St. Stephens, Jean (James) Bullock of Indian Trail, NC, Elisha (Karl) McCottry of Irmo, SC, Lois (Hillmon) Ancrum of Columbus, GA., and Karen Lee of Orangeburg, SC; brothers Phillip (Ethel) Holmes of Kingstree, SC and Stephen (Carol) Holmes of Richmond, VA; grandchildren, Matthew C. Howard (Jasmine) of Ontario, Canada, Candace C. Howard of Gastonia, NC, Jon W. Howard II, of Florence, SC, Matthew Howard of Gaffney, SC, Deja B. Nowlin, Gastonia, NC and Joshua Howard of Latta, SC; uncles David Scott, Harold Scott, and Wilfred (Hattie) Scott, all of New York, NY; Charles Scott of Silver Springs, OH; and John L. Scott of Kingstree, SC; aunt Barbara Jean Fulmore, of Kingstree; sisters-in-law, Martha J. Snelling of Decatur, GA., and Peggye H. Wilson of Hattiesburg, MS; best friend Edith Sims of Orangeburg, SC and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
Mrs. Howard’s philosophy in life was,
“If I can help somebody, my living won’t be in vain.”

The service will proceed as follows:

The viewing will be held on Friday, March 15,2024 at Glover's Funeral Home from 1:00pm until 6:00pm.

The funeral will be held on Saturday, March 16,2024 at Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple 681 Broughton St. Orangeburg, SC 29115 beginning at 11:00am. All those attending service must wear a mask and adhere to all COVID-19 rules and regulations.

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