Joe Lewis Howard

Mr. Joe Lewis Howard, 81, of 1026 Trojan Road, Cross, South Carolina, departed his life on Friday, June 12, 2020 at his residence in Cross, South Carolina.

“Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

 Brother Joe Louis Howard was born on July 6, 1938 in Cross, South Carolina to the late Rev. Webster Simon Howard and the late Elnora Bryant Howard. He departed his life on Friday, June 12, 2020 at his home.

He was educated in the Berkeley County School System. He was a member of Jehovah A.M.E. Church where he sung on the male chorus, served on the usher board, and was a Trustee. He was also a member of Jehovah Lodge #351. In 2000, he was named Jehovah A.M.E.’s “Father of the Year”. He attended church until his health failed him in October of 2017. In addition to his service with the church, he served his community by being an active member of the neighborhood crime watch team.

Mr. Howard affectionately known as “Bub” loved to travel with his brother Arthur and nephew Webster and drive the greyhound bus. Mr. Howard began his career at Albany International Corporation in 1967 at the St. Stephen plant where he worked as a felt operator and continued this career until retiring in 2001. While working at Albany, “Bub” assisted his wife with her catering business and two restaurant ventures, as they were the owners of “Jemel’s Restaurant” in Vance, SC and “Mama’s Kitchen” in Cross, SC. Bub was known for making the best sweet tea and people would often stop by for a cup. He frequently made his tea for church and community events. Bub had an infectious and loud laugh, was known for trash talking, especially while watching sporting events with his grandsons Ashton and Jamel, and he loved fried shrimp and homemade biscuits.

In 1963, he joined into holy wedlock with the late Annie Mae (Freezie) Gillens. To this union seven children were born, two of which preceded his death, Sylvia Denise Howard Gilliard and Tyffanie Monique Howard.

Bub leaves to cherish his loving memory five sons, Jerry (Beverly) Howell of Stafford, VA, Henry (Brenda) Howard of Orangeburg, SC, Charles (Deloris) Howard of Cross, SC, Christopher Rodney Howard of Summerville, SC,  and Ethan Kenneth Howard of Orangeburg, SC; two daughters, Doris Pinckney of Brooklyn, NY and Dr. Tomeka A. Howard of the home; four grandchildren whom he reared, Ciara L. Howard of Cross, SC, Dr. Kimberly N. Howard of Columbia, SC, Kevin J. Gilliard of Cross, SC, and Ashton M. Howard of Cross, SC; one adopted daughter, Keshia (James) Howard of Rock Hill, SC; two adopted sons, Christopher Howell of Goose Creek, SC and Muhammad (Fran) Washington of Cross, SC; 19 grandchildren, Deyond (Cyndia) Spann, Dekera (Yeuris) Greene Rodriguez, Darell Curry, Quintin Richardson, Brenee Howell, Jerry Howell Jr, Charles C. Howard, Devante’ Jenkins, Ethan J. Howard, Ryian Howard, Jessica Howard, Kevin Brown, Kayce (Michael) Kirkland, Tania Long, Shawntay Pinckney, Desmond Pinckney, Jimmie Pinckney, Dominique Howard, and Dejoria Howard; two devoted nieces, Dora Vice of St. Stephen, SC and Lillie M. Howard of Clarksville, TN; one devoted nephew, Henry Webster Howard of Cross, SC, one sister-in-law, Diane (Paul) Wright of Piscataway, NJ; one brother-in- law, Leonard Bridges of Swedesboro, NJ, one adopted sister, Georgina Hill Sprinkle of Clarksville TN, one adopted brother, Leroy (Mildred) Spann of Cross, SC; two aunts, Elouise Gillens and Evelyn Gillens both of Eutawville, SC; three devoted friends Mr. Wesley Pinckney, Mr. Isaac Pinckney, and J Marie Sanders Glover; a devoted sitter, Rose Wright, and a host of great- grandchildren all whom he loved dearly, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.“Blessed are those who endure when they are tested. When they pass the test, they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.” James 1:12

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