William J. Howard

Mr. William Jasper Howard, 94, of 476 Montibello St., Petersburg, Va., departed this life at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, Va.

On Saturday, Sept. 25, 2010, our hearts were deeply saddened by the loss of our beloved father, confidant and friend, William Jasper Howard. As always, he was surrounded by family. A seat was empty, another angel was needed in heaven, so God called our father and he answered the call as we all must do. He said that he was going to wait on Jesus to take him in his sleep and that's how his seat was filled while he slept.

He was born May 14, 1916, and was the son of the late Harry and Rosetta Harrison Howard. He was a native of Prince George County, Va., and was the widower of Helen Rebecca Howard. Mr. Howard accepted Christ in his life at an early age.

He was a retired employee of Honeywell, formally, Allied Chemical Co., Hopewell, Va., having retired in 1978.

He was preceded in death by all of his siblings, Redemus, Wilbert, Nazerine and Carrie. He was also preceded in death by two of his children, William Howard and Elizabeth Edwards, and two grandsons, Troy Edwards and Melvin Stith.

He leaves behind to cherish his memory, four daughters, Catherine Jones (Linwood), Dorothy Foster-Smith (Franklin), Annette Howard-Jones (George), all of Petersburg, Va., and Patricia Newsome (Alphonso) of New Jersey; four sons, Thurman Howard (Jean) of Maine, Edward Howard of New York, Randolph Howard (Gladys) and Ronnie Howard of Petersburg; several nieces and nephews to name a few, Catherine Epps and Elizabeth Argie Howard, both of Petersburg, Va., Truemiller Warren of South Carolina, Nazerine Harry Howard Jr. of Prince George County, Va., Horace Howard and Freddie Howard both of South Carolina, James Howard, Harry Howard, Charles Howard and Dorothy Love, all of Petersburg, Va.; several grandchildren, many of whom he raised and/or took part in his care giving; several great-grandchildren, great-great-grandchildren; a host of in-laws to include Eva Fitzgerald; outside caregivers, neighbors, many other family members and friends not mentioned above.

We the family wish to thank God first and foremost, and then all of the nurses, CNAs and doctors at all of the facilities that took part in the cargiving and treatment of our father.

"The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

Funeral service will be held 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, 2010, at Tabernacle Baptist Church, 418 Halifax St., Petersburg, Va.; the Rev. Dr. Robert A. Diggs Sr., pastor, eulogist. The interment to follow at Wilkerson Memorial Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at 3718 Beechwod Drive, Petersburg, Va., and may be contacted by calling is daughters at the following numbers: Annette Howard-Jones, (804) 691-7914; Dorothy Foster-Smith, (804) 732-1061; or Catherine Jones, (804) 862-3988.

Family members and friends are invited to pay final tribute to Mr. Howard online at www.jmwilkersonsince1874.com where you may view a video tribute online or at the establishment.

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