Erisa Wilsford Howard

Erisa Belle Wilsford Howard, age 91, passed away peacefully on November 14, 2025 at The Opal Assisted Living in Niceville, Florida, with her husband of 67 years by her side.

She was born on September 26, 1934, in Port Arthur, Texas, the daughter of Eric and Laurence Wilsford. It was in Port Arthur that she met her husband, James Berton Howard, whom she married on May 30, 1958. They later moved to Clinton, Iowa, where they raised their four children. After retirement, Jim and Erisa made their home in Boone, North Carolina, before eventually settling in Niceville, Florida.

Erisa was a devoted member of St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Niceville. She was known for her warm hospitality and her love of cooking, volunteering, helping others, and spending time with family. Many people passed through the Howard home over the years, always welcomed with kindness, generosity, and a good meal.

Erisa is preceded in death by her brothers, John Wilsford and Larry Wilsford, and her grandson, James Smith Howard.

She is survived by her four children: Bert Howard (Chris) of Gilbert, Arizona; Scott Howard (Alicia) of Huntsville, Alabama; Jeff Howard of Niceville, Florida; and Pam Cook (Byron) of Athens, Alabama. She is also survived by five grandchildren: Alexis Howard, Olivia Early (Jason), Parker Howard (Will), Andrew Cook, and Allison Cook; two great grandchildren, Natalie Early and Henry Early; and daughter-in-law, Mary Job. She will be deeply missed by her family and by the many friends and loved ones whose lives she touched.

The funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, December 13, 2025, at St. Jude's Episcopal Church with Blake Hutson officiating. The family will receive visitors in the chapel at 10 a.m., one hour prior to the service. Interment will be at 11:45 a.m., followed by a reception at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be to Multiple Sclerosis at https://www.nationalmssociety.org/

Family and friends can provide expressions of love and sympathy online at: https://www.mclaughlintwincitiesfl.com/tributes