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Lester Howard Obituary
Lester was the son of late Lester and Mary Howard.
He worked as a Drug and Alcohol Counselor at many agencies in Erie, Pa. Lester was a mentor and a true inspiration to the community. He started the Mother's Day dinner at the Booker T. Washington Center and did many other services throughout the community.
Lester had joined Second Baptist Church as a child and also was a current member at Friendship Baptist Church.
He enjoyed sports, helping others and also spending quality time with his family.
Lester was preceded in death by his aunts Chanie Holcombe Larkins, Emma Williamson, and Janie Barnett, his uncles L.C., Earnest Lee, John, and Robert Crosby, and a great-niece Shayonna Henderson.
Lester leaves to cherish his precious memory a daughter Natisa Howard of Erie, Pa., four sons Tarrence Brown of Washington, D.C., and Antonio, Donnell, and Shonn Jordan, all of Erie, Pa., four sisters Mable Henderson, Ernestine Howard, both of Erie, Pa., Chanie Robinson of Tampa, Florida, and Joyce Pickens of Waynesboro, Miss., two unts Verna Mae Beard and Lillie (John) Hopkins, both of Erie, Pa., an uncle Sidney Crosby of Erie, Pa., and a host of grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Friends and family are welcomed to celebrate his home going on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at Second Baptist Church, 757 E. 26th St., Erie, Pa., from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1:00 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to Pitts Funeral Home.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Lester Howard
Pasha Carr Prioleau
October 15, 2016
I am still heart-broken about your passing, though happy I had the chance to see you last year. I have so many good memories from running to the store for your pepsi, you teaching me to play chess, Little Italy pizza on Friday nights, and even being stranded on the highway going to Conneaut Lake Park. You were a very important part of our lives. I love you and miss you.
Tamika
October 14, 2016
Mr. Howard
You crossed my mind as if I could hear you say,"Hey Ms. D...smile girl!" It truly broke my heart to see you passed away just this evening. I know your in a better place...safe in the Arms of the Lord. I will miss you buddy but I won't miss you driving in front of me...( 10 miles per hour in 25 mile per hour zone) I laugh every time I think about that morning. May the Lord give the family and friends great strength and comfort during this difficult time. I will never forget you Mr. Howard and the heart you had for others.
My condolences and prayers to the family. He will be truly miss.
October 8, 2016
I'm living in New York City and just received word - I offer my condolences and deepest sympathy to the family.
(I remember playing Little Gridder football with Tootie back in 1970-Tootie played Quarterback- smile!)
Archie Page
Renae Hicks
October 2, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
October 1, 2016
May God keep you in his arms.
Renee Coates-Smith
October 1, 2016
My special friend is now with the Lord. And I will always cherish the anointed friendship we shared. I shall see you in glory. Love you more.
Loretta Ritchie
September 30, 2016
To the Howard Family I send my deepest condolences on the passing of Lester Called Tootie by me What a caring person always a smile or dropping some knowledge Gone too soon but God has the final say. He won't be forgotten Rest my friend.
Brenda Davis
September 30, 2016
I'm so sorry to hear of my friend Lester Howard's passing, the news hit me hard. Tootie was a great help for my son, he opened up to him like no one else. He was so gifted. He helped so many young people and parents too. He will surely be missed, now he's with his beloved mother who he talked so kindly of. I pray God will comfort all of the family in Jesus Name, Amen.
James and Diane Stancil
September 30, 2016
We're sorry for your loss, we live next door to his sister Mable and seen him and said hello when he was there. I know his family and Mable will miss him.
Michael Evans
September 30, 2016
My deepest condolences to the family of Lester. I only got acquainted with him since being on dialysis with him. What a wonderful personality, always positive and upbeat. I really enjoyed his humor and laughing with him. I know that I will see him when Christ returns. I miss him as I know everyone does.
Lisa H
September 30, 2016
You my friend Lester, had a smile all your own! You led many out of the trenches of drugs and alcohol. As a friend mentioned this world was a better place having had you in it for sure. No more sorrow or pain for you! Hope to see in Heaven.
Anthony Dwayne DeBerry
September 30, 2016
Heart felt sympathy on the lost of Lester, it's a tough pill to swallow, the Father don't make no mistakes.. I do empathize with you !! May the Good Lord continue to bless you and your family.. The DeBerrys ...
September 30, 2016
Incredibly warm and kind soul ~ A sense of humor that is rare. Inspirational is an understatement, he was a light to so many lives and I was truly saddened to hear of his passing. I send love and healing to friends and family members. His legacy is one of great memories.
Sonda Jamison
September 30, 2016
I will always remember the smile that never left your face. Never forgotten.
Saundra Martin
September 30, 2016
How can you say goodbye to someone who was like a big big brother. From our days working at Crossroads you were such this ray of light for so many. I was so glad to sit and talk with you not long ago and my heart is so sad that we won't talk again. Thank you for never changing my friend for life. I will truly miss you.
Larry Gamble
September 29, 2016
To the families, I would just like to thank you for sharing him with us. No matter where I seen him he would always have words of encouragement for you, even if he was down. A truly inspirational individual who cared for all, and not just some... Rest easy Tootie.. Mr. Howard...
Faye
September 29, 2016
Sending my condolences to the family. Sending prayers of healing and strength.
Bob and Michelle Hollenbeck
September 29, 2016
Lester always had wisdom and friendship for my wife and myself and he helped me when I had no one else he will always be loved and remembered
Torrey Benning
September 29, 2016
Glad we got to know each other and found out we are cousins gonna miss you
Delores (Ms.D)
September 29, 2016
My condolences to the Howard and Crosby family May G-d give you peace during your time of bereavement. I knew Lester as"Tootsie" but got to know Him as the Man with the "Mighty Gift". He was Mr Drug and Alcohol. Lester was my mentor teaching me the dynamics of group therapy. "Awesome" cannot describe the Gift and Blessing that G-d had given Him. I will forever be grateful and thankful for the Love he gave and shared with all. "Rest In Peace" My Friend.
Lydia Coleman-Hooks
September 29, 2016
To the Howard Family, my deepest sympathies to you all. It's still hard to believe that Tootie passed. He used to sit with my mom mentoring her on how to deal with my brother who loved Tootie dearly as we all did. He will be missed but never forgotten, I was so honored to know him, what a wonderful guy. I pray God's peace over you all as you go thru this process. Be Blessed and know he is with Our Lord & Savior.
Nadine Comeau
September 29, 2016
Lester-Tootie will all-ways have a special place in my heart. He has true freedom. We met in 1986 & our common bond will continue. Prayers for you & yours.
HAZEL & ODELL COOK
September 29, 2016
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
SHARON & JAMES (HENDERSON) GOODWINE
September 29, 2016
TO THE HOWARD FAMILIES: WOW TOOTIE..what a sweet guy he was. I am glad my brother (james goodwine) got to see him on one of his visit when tootie was up and around. we all went to school together, a life long neighbor friend. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing. He is no longer going thru pain and illness. HIS SPIRIT IS FREE!! I KNOW his mom was waiting with open arms..My sincere prayers and sympathies to you all. May god's unending compassion and love console the family during and after this very difficult time.."YEA THO I WALK THRU THE VALLEY OF THE SHADOW OF DEATH I WILL FEAR NO EVIL FOR THO ART WITH ME..RIH TOOTIE...WE WILL MISS YOU..
EVELYN M. CARR
September 29, 2016
To the howard croby family sorry for your loss tootie was such a great person he will be truly missed god needd another angel no more pain or sorrow i'll will keep you in my prayers
Tina Leone
September 29, 2016
Sorry to hear the loss of this fine man. Prayers for family and friends. God bless
September 29, 2016
First met Tootie at Wilson Jr. High School, then at Academy we played football together. It was always a great pleasure to run in to him around town over these 40+ years...
My prayers and condolences to his many friends and family members and may you all see him again one day as we surrender to Jesus as Lord.
Rest well old friend!
Mike Merry
Denise (aka)Denny McConnell
September 29, 2016
Heartfelt condolences family. May God comfort you all. Lester was a good man and a great friend to me he will greatly be missed. Until we meet again rest peacefully my friend. Heaven must have been missing an angel because you're back in God's hands now.
Jean Holowienko
September 29, 2016
Mr. Howard was a kind and caring man. I got to know him when he came to talk to the kids at ELTAC. He truly cared about them.
Lynne Herman
September 29, 2016
I had the pleasure of meeting Lester when he came to my classroom at Edmund L Thomas Center. He came twice a week to talk to the kids, and truly had a gift for counseling the kids. We all looked forward to his visits and valued the time he spent with us. He was a gem and will be greatly missed.
Chanie Howard-Robinson
September 29, 2016
Well Tootie, this is bitter sweet, bitter because I won't be able to hear you voice; sweet because you are not in pain. I have loved you all my life even when were kids and would fight (LOL) but I think that is why we are sister and brother our love and bond transcends every dimension of life. I will miss you and will always love you. Mookie
Hansbrew Family
September 29, 2016
To the Howard family, remember that Earth has no sorrow that Heaven can not heal. We are praying for the family in your time of sorrow.
Curtis Pratt
September 29, 2016
I am saddened to hear about a good guy who fought a good fight.... I Worked with Lester for 4 years at the Booker T Washington, I remember Lester for his great work in the Erie Community ...MOST OF IT WENT UnNoticed. He educated the younger generation on the severity of drugs and controlled substances. LESTER had a caring HEART..HE WILL TRUELY BE MISSED
John Gavin
September 29, 2016
Our condolences to all the family and friends,Les,a true warrior,many times he was counted out,be he kept battling back,I will miss my dear friend,but I know in my soul,we will all meet up again,by and by
Kelly Mosley
September 29, 2016
Tootie was best D n A couselor i've worked with in Erie. Thanks for teaching me on how make it in that field. RIH my brother.
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