Patricia Ann Howard

Patricia Ann Miller Howard: A Life of Love and Dedication
June 29, 1941 - September 16, 2024
It is with grateful hearts that we announce the passing of Patricia Ann Miller Howard, who departed this life peacefully, surrounded by her children at her home in Pink Hill, NC on September 16, 2024. Pat was a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose warmth and kindness touched the lives of everyone she encountered.
Born on June 29, 1941, Pat was the cherished daughter of Johnnie and Flora Miller. She grew up in a large, loving family, where she learned the values of hard work, devotion, and care from a young age. Pat graduated from B.F. Grady High School in the Class of 1958 and carried with her a lifelong love of learning and community.
A devout member of Christian Chapel Free Will Baptist Church, Pat's faith was a cornerstone of her life. You could count on seeing her every Sunday, singing with the choir and fellowshipping with her church family. Her commitment to her church included leadership roles, the Women' s Auxillary, Sunday School, Bible School, Finance, 4H, youth, and Home Demonstration Club. Her faith was an inspiration to all who knew her.
Pat was a woman of many talents and passions. She had a green thumb and nurtured pretty flowers and bountiful vegetable gardens. Her home-grown vegetables were the perfect complement to her hobby of canning/freezing and cooking. She was a phenomenal cook, known for her carrot cakes, home-made chicken/pastry, and grilled bbq chicken, just to name a few. Additionally, Pat was a skilled seamstress, embodying the southern homemaker.
Pat's characteristics were as beautiful and bountiful as the flowers and vegetables she grew. She was selfless, loving, and kind, always tending to everyone around her with great detail. Her joy came from making those around her happy, and she leaves an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing her.
In earlier years, Pat was a devoted wife and mother, working tirelessly to tend the family farm. Her dedication to her family's well-being was unwavering. Later in life, she extended her nurturing spirit for twenty years as a nurse with Pink Hill Medical Center. She made many lasting friendships as she continued to care for others with deep compassion.
Pat was preceded in death by her parents, Johnnie and Flora Miller; her in-laws, Clarence and Hazel Howard; her husband, Rodney Clarence Howard; and her siblings, Lewis Miller, Tommie Miller, Dave Miller, John Oliver Miller, John William Miller, Peggy Creech, Kaye Mason, Jewell White, Edward Miller, and Brenda Howard Hill; her nieces, Jennie Wingard, Cindy Taylor, Betsy Bell, Luanne Miller, and Amanda Smith; her nephews Earl Pope, David Miller, and Marty Lee. Though she experienced many losses, Pat's spirit remained unbroken, and she continued to be a pillar of strength for her family.
Pat is survived by her loving children, Rod Howard (Rhonda), Flora Howard Murphy (Rusty), Phil Howard (Amy), and Lorne Howard. Her legacy also lives on through her adored grandchildren, Janie Ella and Ava Claire, who brought immense joy to her life.
Pat's siblings, Jack Miller (Rose), Jackie Stroud, Art Miller, and Dennis Miller (Debbie), along with her brother-in-laws Ivey White and Mike Hill, and sisters-in-laws Dot Byrd, Betsy Miller, and Gayle "Peachy" Smith (Nelson), will forever cherish the memories of their dear sister. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends each of whom held a special place in her heart.
Patricia Ann Miller Howard's legacy of love, dedication, and kindness will endure in the hearts of all who knew her. While we mourn her passing, we also celebrate the incredible life she lived and the countless ways she touched our lives. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit remains with us always. We look forward to that "glad reunion day".
Visitation will be held from 6-9 on Friday, September 20, 2024 at Pink Hill Funeral Home. Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday, September 21, 2024 at Christian Chapel OFWB Church, 1213 Jonestown Road, Pink Hill and burial will follow at Oak Ridge Memorial Park in Pink Hill.
The family will receive friends at other times at Pat's home, 3144 Ash Davis Road, Pink Hill.
Memorial contributions may be made to Christian Chapel OFWB Church Building Fund, c/o Martha Howard, PO Box 424, Pink Hill, NC 28572.
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