Curtis Howard Jr.

MURFREESBORO, NC - Curtis Howard, Jr., age 91, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, at ECU Health Roanoke Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie, North Carolina. Born on March 11, 1935, in Bertie County, North Carolina, Curtis was the beloved son of the late Curtis Howard, Sr. and Sally Matthews Howard.

Curtis dedicated a significant part of his life to farming, a vocation he revered and pursued with wholehearted dedication. His commitment to his country was evident through his service in the Army National Guard for eight years, where he exemplified honor and integrity.

Curtis married the love of his life and best friend, Louise Chitty on May 4, 1957. They were happily married and cherished each other for sixty-five and half years until her death. They shared many blessed years together at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, where they worked together as long as their health allowed. He was a devoted Christian and was a dedicated member at Meherrin Baptist Church, where he was cherished as a man of great faith. Curtis served in many capacities, Deacon for many years, and many different committees.

Curtis was preceded in death by his loving wife, Louise, his parents, a cherished daughter-in-law, Debbie Howard, and his sister, Brenda Lafon.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and strength, embodied by his surviving family: his sons, Thomas Eugene Howard of Ahoskie and Stuart Curtiss Howard and his wife Wendy of Conway; his beloved daughter, Jackie Howard Pierce and her husband Vann of Ahoskie; and his sister, June Payne and her husband Otis of Ahoskie. Curtis's legacy extends through his grandchildren, Neal Thomas Howard and his wife Leigh Ann, Casey James Howard, Tyler Howard, Andrew Howard, and Lauren Nicole Slemp and her husband Billy Slemp, along with three step-grandchildren, Lauren Pierce Allen and Chelsea Pierce Mast and her husband Mark, and Ryan Michael Pierce. His joy knew no bounds with his five great-grandchildren, Harper Howard, Skylar Howard, Mary Paige Bryant, Hunter Slemp, and Rylee Slemp, and six step-great-grandchildren, Ellie Cumbo, Ava Allen, Kenzie Mast, Addelan Mast, Jordan Mast, and Cooper Mast. Curtis is also remembered fondly by many nieces and nephews, and dear friends.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, March 19, 2026, from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM at Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel in Murfreesboro, NC, and at other times at the family home.

A celebration of Curtis's life will be held on Friday, March 20, 2026, at 11:00 AM at Meherrin Baptist Church in Murfreesboro, NC, officiated by Pastor John Porter. Burial will follow in the church cemetery, where pallbearers will honor Curtis by wearing his ties.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Meherrin Baptist Church, 519 Meherrin Lane, Murfreesboro, NC 27855, or online at tmcfunding.com, by searching for Curtis Howard.

Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.garrettsykesfs.com. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Garrett-Sykes Memorial Chapel, Murfreesboro, NC.