Naomi W. "Grams" Howard

Naomi W. Howard, daughter of the late Dollie Harrell Powell and James Walter Powell, was born on August 8, 1941, in Ahoskie, North Carolina. She peacefully went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on November 12, 2025.

Naomi was born and raised in Harrellsville, North Carolina, as the sixth of ten siblings. She became a member of Mt. Pleasant Missionary Baptist Church in Harrellsville at an early age. Naomi completed her education within the Hertford County School District. In 1962, she wed her late husband, Robert C. Howard, and together they relocated to Norfolk, Virginia. They shared 44 years of marriage, and from this union, they were blessed with three children. Naomi was a wonderful mother who enjoyed a rich and purposeful life, grounded in her faith and dedication to her family.

Naomi spent 23 years as a Food Service Specialist in Sentara Norfolk General Hospital's Dietary Department, where she took great pride in both her job and her strong work ethic. Following her retirement, she dedicated herself to caring for her late husband, tending to her flower garden, helping her neighbors, and spending time with her grandchildren. Every grandchild claims to be her favorite, and they lovingly refer to her as "Grams."

She is preceded in death by her parents, James and Dollie Powell; her husband, Robert C. Howard; her mother in-law, Willie Mae Frazier; her father in-law, James B. Sharp; her siblings Marie Powell, Hattie Williams, Lucradia Raynor, Pattie Watford, James Powell, George Powell and Thomas Powell; brother in-laws, Roland Frazier, Jr., Leon Williams, Donald Ray, Eugene White, and Ronny Sharp; and sister in-laws, Patti Powell, Fannie Powell, and Angela Sharp.

Left to cherish her memories are her daughters, Bonita Lynne Edmonds (Calvin, Sr.) of Norfolk, VA and Michelle Howard-Handy (Corey, Sr.) of Smithfield, VA; her son, Rodney Howard (Arlene) of Norfolk, VA; grandchildren, Shuntia Gay of Hampton, VA; Calvin Edmonds, Jr. (Sonya) of Greenville, NC; Skylar Handy of Hampton, VA; Corey Handy, Jr. (Laney) of Kailua, Hawaii; great granddaughter, Callie L. Edmonds of Greenville, NC; sisters, Mable White of Harrellsville, NC; and Gladys Hall (Alfred) of New Castle, DE; sister in-law, Quenester Frazier, Queens, NY; and many caring nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

During her golden years, she enjoyed listening to music, solving jigsaw and word search puzzles, and cherished moments of laughter and conversation with her sisters Mable and Gladys, as well as her close friend and neighbor, Barbara Perry.

Naomi was generous and compassionate, always offering unwavering love to her family and friends. She leaves a legacy of love, kindness, wisdom, and strength. Her sweet spirit will be profoundly missed.

Viewing: Friday, November 21, 2025 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA
Celebration of Life: Saturday, November 22, 2025 11:00 AM Metropolitan Funeral Service 120 W. Berkley Avenue Norfolk, VA