Rev. Dr. John W. Howard Sr.

1947 - 2025

Rev. Dr. John W. Howard, Sr.

November 22, 1947 - December 8, 2025

Rev. Dr. John W. Howard, Sr. was born to Ruth Lehman on November 22, 1947 and raised in Atlantic City, NJ. He received his secondary education from the Atlantic City school system, graduating from Atlantic City High School in 1967. Pastor Howard furthered his education, earning his Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice from Stockton State College, a Master's in Religious Education from LaSalle University, a Master's in Divinity from Eastern Baptist Theological Seminary, and a Doctorate in Ministry from Bakke Graduate University/Payne Theological Seminary.

As a child, Pastor Howard attended St. Monica's Roman Catholic Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey. After transitioning his membership to New Hope Baptist Church, he received his ministerial license under the pastoral leadership of Rev. Clifford Trapp. Rev. Howard was ordained in 1974 and became pastor of New Hope Baptist Church in January of 1975. Having retired from the Atlantic County Government in 2001 as a Social Worker, where he worked for more than twenty-eight years, Rev. Howard dedicated himself full-time to New Hope Baptist Church, the members, and the community. As a component of a God-inspired vision and under Rev. Howard's leadership, the Robinson Small Learning Center was birthed at New Hope Baptist Church in 1997.

Rev. Howard is the founder of Bishop Charles R. Lyles and The New John Howard Gospel Caravan, an anointed and renowned group of singers who have travelled across the country and abroad ministering the gospel since 1968. Additionally, he has co-produced two gospel theatrical plays: "Yes, God Is Real" and "Count Your Blessings". He has been a participant and instructor at the Gospel Music Workshop of America and served as an instructor for the Bethany Baptist Bible Institute.

Rev. Howard is pre-deceased by Ruth and Julius Lehman (mother/step-father), aunts Verna Howard (who helped raise him), Elizabeth Dennis, Mary Thomas, uncles Bernard Howard, Rudolph Howard and Robert Howard. Deceased in-laws John and Flora Brown, Overseer Porter S. Brown, Pastor Sheila A. Brown, John and Susie Maisonave, Floyd L. Brown, and Jacqueline Brown.

Rev. Howard is survived by his wife of 53 years, Joyce S. Howard; sons, Rev. John W. Howard, Jr. (Kim), and Rev. Jerod L. Howard (Katherine); grandchildren, Jashur G. Howard, John W. Howard lll, Joycelyn Y. Howard, Austin E. Smith, Dallas A. Smith, and Jenna L. Howard; surviving in-laws, Min. Johnnie (Linda) Brown, sisters-In-love, Clara Brown and Arleathia Wilson; special cousins, Rev. Milton L. Hendricks (Estelle); and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. Extended families included the Smith, Davis, Brown, Howard, and the entire New Hope Baptist Church family.

Public Viewing on Friday, December 19, 2025, from 4 to 8 p.m. at New Hope Baptist Church, 704 Lexington Avenue, Atlantic City, and again on Saturday, December 20, 2025, from 9 to 11 a.m. at Faith Baptist Church, 829 Tilton Road, Pleasantville. Interment in Atlantic City Cemetery, Pleasantville.

Jennings Funeral Home

501 South New Road, Pleasantville, NJ 08232