Rebecca Henry Howard

“There is no path, but it will be easier to travel, no load, but will be lighter, no shadow on the heart and brain, but will lift sooner for a person of determined cheerfulness. Get into the habit of looking for the silver lining behind the cloud, and when you have found it, continue to look at it, rather than the leaden gray middle. It will help you over many hard places.”

Chosen by Rebecca for her funeral. Author, unknown

The poem used in this program may very well describe Deaconess Rebecca B. Henry Howard, who notoriously maintained a cheerful countenance and was referred to as a happy woman. That she displayed such character validated that she was a dedicated Christian. Giving unselfishly of herself, she contributed her services to both church and community over a period of many years. From 1938-2000, she held membership at The First Born Church of The Living God. There, she served as Church Secretary, Secretary of Sunday School. She was the first to fill the office of YPCW President of the church. She also served as Chairman of the Annual Sunday School Picnic, Director of Youth Activities, Church Reporter, Chairman of The Deaconess Board, President of the Pastor’s Aid Club, and Youth Council President of the Tallahassee District, Teacher of Sunday School Class #1. In addition, she was a member of the Christian Aid Club and the Church Program Committee.

From 2000 until her passing, she was a member of Walking By Faith Ministry, under the leadership of Rev. Gloria McCrea.

In civic and community contributions, she was secretary of the Sheila Chapter 15 of the Eastern Star for 18 years, Worthy Matron for 14 years, as well as maintaining membership in The Matron’s and Patron’s Council (PHA). She completed a prescribed course of training in the theory and practice of motel and apartment management, passing the required examination, and in 1972, earned her diploma from The Whitcomb School of Houston, Texas. This diploma successfully met the requirements for housekeeping and in-service training, certified in 1975 at The Tallahassee Regional Medical Center, where she served as Director of Housekeeping, until her retirement in 1981.

Rebecca was born in Boston, Georgia on March 9, 1915, to Mahala Bacon. She departed this life in Tallahassee, on June 17, 2013. She was 98.

Rebecca married Charles Howard on September 15, 1990. Charles preceded her in death on February 10, 1998.

She leaves 3 step-sons, Charles Howard of Cleveland, Ohio, Donald Howard of Crestview, Florida, Kenneth (Linda) Howard of Orlando, Florida; two step-daughters, Eunice Mallory (Clyde Mallory) of Dayton, Ohio, and Rev. Gloria H. McCrea and her husband, Laurie McCrea of Tallahassee, Florida, who for many years, were devoted caregivers; a devoted step-granddaughter, Tenetta Jones, upon whom she could reliably call whenever she needed help; cousins, Essie Mae Scruggs, Lemon Scruggs, and Clifford Scruggs, all of Thomasville, Georgia and Essie Mae Camp, of Monticello, Florida. She also leaves a niece, Marvis Martin-Hairston; and great-niece, Marvis’ daughter, Kyra Hairston of New York City, whom she loved, cherished and did much traveling with; and finally, her good friend, Mother Lorraine Williams of Tallahassee, Florida.