Elder Maurice Howard

The Life of a Visionary Servant Leader

Elder Maurice Johnson Nelson Howard

Elder Maurice Johnson Nelson Howard was called from labor to reward on Saturday, September 6, 2025 in the comfort of her home. She was born to the late Vernice Johnson and Benjamin Johnson in Valdosta, Georgia and reared in Lakeland, GA a suburb of Valdosta. It was in Lakeland, Georgia that she received her elementary, junior high and high school education.

Elder Howard relocated to Inverness, Florida with her husband and children and became affiliated with The Church of the Living God in Inverness under the pastorate of the Late Elder Catherine Green. She received the Baptism of the Holy Spirit in a 6-week Revival conducted by the Later Evangelist B. B. Mitchell of Philadelphia. Elder Howard served faithfully in every auxiliary of the Church Ministry in Inverness. She sang on the Choir, Faithful in Sunday School, Missions and Outreach. She enjoyed cooking and serving in the Hospitality Ministry. She faithfully attended all church gatherings and always enjoyed fellowshipping with the saints.

She along with her husband, Deacon Willie Howard and family relocated their membership to The Garden of Prayer Church of the Living God, Weirsdale, FL under the leadership of the Late Bishop Dr. Lillie Delores Simmons Ward where she was a committed servant of excellence. Again, she served the total ministry including the Ecclesiastical Ministry Team, the local President of the Foreign Missions where she sponsored many programs to raise funds to support Missions domestic and foreign. Elder Howard enjoyed traveling wherever there were conventions, conferences, retreats and gatherings of the saints. She was anointed to give as she enjoyed giving and investing in Ministry and Advancing the Kingdom. While attending Garden of Prayer, Elder Joshua, pastor of The Church of the Living God in Reddick became ill and transition. During this time he had started to build the new church facility. Elder Howard had a burden for the Ministry given the fact that she had moved to Reddick. She took her own resources and assembled the needed construction team of builders, plumbers, electricians, etc and completed the Building of the Church. Upon the completion, Bishop Dr. Delores Ward assigned her to pastor the Church she built which is presently known as Grace Temple Church of the Living God. The Work of the Ministry flourished under her leadership, She hostel Revivals, District Gatherings, Youth Programs, Foreign Mission's Fundraising and Community gatherings.

Elder Howard enjoyed traveling, no distance mattered, she kept a Church Convention Suitcase packed and was always willing and ready to travel the distance. She was a Charter Member of the 6 Golden Girl's club consisted of: The Late Elder Bonnie C. Jackson, the Late Missionary Shirley Ward, Presiding Elder Emeritus Queen Esther Thomas, Bishop Mae Frances Chester, and Missionary Lucille Smith. They churched, traveled, dined, shopped, kept late night hours in other words, when you saw one, you saw them all together. They could pack out a hotel room, each respecting and celebrating the flavor of each other.

Elder Maurice Howard was a committed, faithful and dedicated Pastor of the Florida Atlantic Diocese, she attended every General Assembly, Foreign Missions Convention, National Youth Congress and Bishops, Pastors and Elders Retreat. Whatever was asked of her she so willingly and cheerfully exceeded expectations.

Within the Florida Atlantic Diocese, Elder Howard attended every Holy Convocation, every Ordination Service, District Baptisms, Installation of Pastor's and Church Dedications. She served until her day was done. May the works, service, and life she lived speak for her. She was known in the gates, as she was blessed she so willing blessed others.

Proceeding her in death are: Parents: Venice Johnson and Benjamin Johnson; Husband: Willie Howard;

She leaves to cherish her memories, Children: Eugene Nelson (Elisa), Melrose, FL., Ezell Nelson, Atlanta, GA, Ozell Nelson (deceased), Stevie Nelson (deceased), Kenneth Nelson (Julia), Gainesville, FL., Johnnie Thomas (Jolinda) Carpus Cove, TX and Mikel Green (Valerie) Anthony, FL. Sisters: Emma Lue Johnson- McCoggle, Jim McCoggle; Brothers: Lanis , Harry and Vernester Johnson. As a special Son/Grandson- Mikel Green II, Gainesville, FL. And a host of grandchildren, great grandchildren, great great-grandchildren, Nieces, Nephews, cousins and Godchildren.

Forever celebrating her life and legacy are the Inverness Church Community, The Garden of Prayer Church of the Living God, Grace Temple Church of the Living God, The Florida Atlantic Diocese Church of the Living God, The national Foreign Missions Convention and The Church of the Living God Incorporated.