Edith F. Howard

Edith Freeman Howard of Petersburg, Va., formerly of Sussex, Va., departed this life Sunday, Sept. 7, 2008, at Retreat Hospital. She was the daughter of the late James L. Freeman Sr. and Carrie Phillips Freeman. She was preceded in death by her husband, Ezekiel Howard, and brother, James L. Freeman Jr.

Mrs. Howard was a graduate of Virginia Union University. She did graduate studies at Virginia State University, Virginia Commonwealth University and The College of William and Mary. She taught in Sussex County Public Schools for seven years. She taught in the Petersburg Public School System for 26 years.

She was a member of the Eastern Star, Chapter of Hope 164, where she served as a Worthy Matron. She also was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church where she worked in many programs. Mrs. Howard was active in many community activities and received many awards. She received the Echerd Salute to Woman for contributions made to her community.

Mrs. Howard is survived by her daughter, Carri Howard Hill; son-in-law, Broderick Hill Sr.; granddaughter, Christen Marie Hill; grandsons, Broderick Alonzo Hill Jr. and Benjamin Howard Hill; two sisters, Ethel F. Ruffin of Richmond, Va., and Theresa F. Brown of Hopewell, Va.,; brother, Phillip Freeman (Dina) of Richmond, Va.; along with several nieces and nephews; two devoted adopted daughters, Earlene Hope of New York and Mary Parham of Petersburg, Va.; a childhood friend, Helen Davis Boyd of Philadelphia and a close family friend, Gloria Jones; the St. Joseph's Catholic Church family and many other friends.

Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, Sept. 12, 2008, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 151 W. Washington St., Petersburg, Va.; Monsignor Michael Schmied, officiating. Interment to follow at Dinwiddie Memorial Park.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2008, at the funeral establishment.

The family will also receive friends at 10303 Tingewood Terrace, Richmond, Va.

Funeral arrangements entrusted to the staff of the J.M. Wilkerson Funeral Establishment Inc., 102 South Ave., Petersburg, Va., (804) 732-8911, www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com.