Beatrice Dolores Howard

In the southern state of Texas, in the city of Houston, in the parish of Fifth Ward, on September 22, 1934 the sun rose on Beatrice Dolores Easter's life. She was born the first child of three (two younger brothers) to the late Louis Sampson and the late Lula Virginia Easter. In the early 1970's she became a pillar in the community of Stockton, CA, when she embarked upon the fulfilling career of her very special Satellite Day Care Center. It culminated into over 37 years where she lent more than just a hand in helping to raise a plethora of children, who, to this day lovingly continue to grace her with the name "Grandma Bea". In the mid 1970's Beatrice accepted Christ under the leadership of Evangelist H.L. Guy. She later united with Greater White Rose C.O.G.I.C. under the leadership of Dr. W.M. Peterson, who upon resigning, left her in the care of Pastor Nathaniel Bullock. In her many faithful years she worked diligently on the state and local Usher Board, the Home and Foreign Mission Department, Bible Band and the C.W.C. Auxiliary. She was admiringly deemed "Mother Howard" on the Mother's Board of the Greater White Rose C.O.G.I.C. People came from afar just to get a taste of the 'lip smacking' creations that emerged from her kitchen; especially her melt in your mouth Caramel Cake and the famous Buttermilk Pie. You could always find Mother Howard in the midst of her traveling companions, Mother Glendean Edmond and Missionary Louise Jones, warmly known as "The Golden Girls". They conquered many feats as "Prayer Warriors". Mother Howard was preceded in death by her parents; her baby brother Ladell Sampson; son Ernest Hunt and daughter Patricia Ann Hunt Smith. Mother Beatrice Howard leaves to rejoice her life and cherish her memory; her loving and loyal brother Clyde (Louise); uncle Leroy; aunt Joyce; sons Benny (Doris) and Dwight (Norma); daughters Diana, Debbie (Janice) of San Diego, CA, Grace (Nesba) and Rhonda; sons David (Janet), Richard and Albert; daughters Sandra, Peggy (Cecil), Michelle (Michael) and Glenda (Charles); sons Robert (Rose) and Sammy (Mindy); daughters Sharon, Deborah (Alphonso), Charlotte (Armster) and Marcie (Ben); 40 grandchildren; 25 great grandchildren and 9 great great grandchildren. In addition, a host of numerous relatives, beloved friends and church family who are forever in our hearts. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 30, 2012 from 4-8 pm in the chapel of Frisbie-Warren & Carroll Mortuary with a Homegoing Celebration on Tuesday, July 31, 2012 at 11:00 am at The Greater White Rose Church of God In Christ. Private committal will be held at San Joaquin Valley National Cemetery.