Willie "Steve" Howard

Willie "Steve" Howard was born October 11, 1935, in Centreville, MS, to the union of the Late Richard and Lurena Howard. On Tuesday, July 14, 2015, the Lord called Willie home to rest at age 79. In 1947, Willie moved to New Orleans to live with his Aunt Birtha when he was only 12. In 1967, he met the love of his life Veola Williams of Donaldsonville, LA, and her two sons, Joseph Williams and Troy Williams. They were joined together in holy matrimony on September 26, 1968. Through this union he fathered these two sons as his own. Willie was a loving and devoted husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. He also gave his life to Christ at an early age. He worked as an Auto Mechanic for many years, before retiring after 20 years with the Exxon Service Station in New Orleans. After retiring, he still worked as a Service Attendant for various Auto/Tire Service Companies in the New Orleans areas and in River Ridge, until his decision to retire again in 2011. He was also a member of New Hope Baptist Church in New Orleans until his death. Willie was a very fun-loving person, with a remarkable since of humor. He was always willing to help anyone, and wore a wonderful smile whenever he came in contact with everybody. Willie leaves to cherish his memories, his wife (Veola Howard) of 46 years, their two sons; Joseph Williams, and Troy (Saieedah) Williams, Sr.; four (4) brothers, Donald (Tracy) Howard; Dennis and Oscar Howard, Centreville, MS; Richard Jr. (Hilda), New Orleans, LA; four (4) sisters, Rosa Lee Howard, New Orleans, LA; Ella Mae Allen, Baton Rouge, LA; Thelma (Rodney) Diggs, Zachary, LA, and Cassandra Howard, Centreville, MS. Four (4) grandchildren; Troy (Ashely) Williams, Jr., Oceanside, CA; Troylynn Williams, Hammond, LA; Jonathan A. (Shantwiana) Williams, Tucson, AZ; and Christina A. (Anthony) Freeman, Okinawa, Japan. Four (4) great-grandchildren; Rishai Wells, Hammond, LA; Malik Williams, Oceanside, CA; McKenzie Williams, Tucson, AZ, and Jason Williams, Tucson, AZ. A host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. Willie was preceded in death by his parents; Richard and Laurena Howard and 7 siblings: Brenda Rhymes, Ernestine Palmer, Melvin Howard, Sam Howard, Walter Howard, and Albert Howard, and Lillie Mae Howard Hall. The family would like to thank Tulane Medical Center, New Orleans, LA; The Good Samaritan Rehabilitation Center, New Orleans; Oshner Extended Acute Care Hospital, Kenner, LA and Passages Hospice, New Orleans for their efforts, care/dedication to Willie up until his departure to be with our Lord and Savior. A funeral is scheduled for 12:30 pm on Thursday, July 23, 2015, at Rhodes Chapel, 3933 Washington Ave., New Orleans. Visitation: 11:30 am. Reverend Kevin Matthews will officiate the ceremony. Interment: Holt Cemetery. All are welcome to attend and celebrate Willie's life. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Troy Williams, Sr. at 59014 West Ave., Slidell, LA 70460. Arrangements entrusted to Rhodes Funeral Home. Please visit www.rhodesfuneral.com to sign the online guestbook.