Dr. Cynthia H. Howard

Dr. Cynthia H. Howard of Bloomfield, CT, transitioned to glory on Wednesday, April 30th, 2025. She was born on March 18th, 1953, in Baltimore, MD, to Louise Harris and Elijah Harris. In 1964, she moved with her family to Connecticut, where she built a remarkable life rooted in faith, family, service and accomplishment. Cynthia graduated from Weaver High School in 1971. Her educational journey was marked by remarkable dedication and achievement. She earned an Associate of Science in General Studies from Manchester Community College, a Bachelor of Theology from the Teamer's School of Religion, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Eastern Connecticut State University, an MBA from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and a Doctorate in Christian Counseling from Christian Leadership University. Notably, she accomplished all of this while working full-time and raising a family-a true testament to her perseverance and commitment to lifelong learning. Cynthia retired from Pratt & Whitney/United Technologies Corporation after 40 years of dedicated service as a Human Resources professional. She excelled in HR management, leadership development, staffing & recruiting, as well as implementing HR strategies, programs and processes that drove employee engagement, fulfillment, diversity and inclusion. Cynthia served for years as a Business Mentor with INROADs, where she mentored and guided countless students in securing internships and co-ops, equipping them with the tools they needed to thrive in their professional journeys and "hit the ground running" after graduation. While working at Pratt & Whitney, Cynthia met the love of her life, Edward D. Howard, Jr. They were married on August 31st, 1991, and have been happily enjoying their devoted partnership for the past 33 years. Cynthia's life was grounded in her unwavering faith in God. She was a faithful member of St. John's Full Gospel Deliverance church for over 50 years. Her service to the ministry was extensive. Her most recent activities include serving as Church Administrator, Pastor of the Youth Department, member of the Church Council and President of the College Assistance Ministry. Her ministry and passion were deeply centered on helping people from all walks of life both understand and realize their full God-given potential. Dr. Cynthia H. Howard was the founder and owner of C.H.C. Consulting, LLC and the author of When Your Heart Hurts: Healing from Life's Wounds. She was a licensed Minister of Christian Counseling, a Motivational Speaker, and known to many as "DJ Dr. Cynt" for her uplifting broadcasts of "Words of Wisdom" on Power Muzic Radio. She also made appearances on WINN TV's Diversity in the Community, and was honored as a 100 Women of Color award recipient in 2021 and awarded the New England Theological Consortium Humanitarian Service Award in 2023. One of Cynthia's long-held aspirations was to serve on an executive board of a non-profit organization where her values and passions aligned. She found this calling with the Hartford City Mission, whose mission is "Operating in unconditional love to unlock the potential of Hartford's youth, families and neighborhoods". Cynthia initially served as the organization's Treasurer and was recently appointed Board President in 2025. Beyond her professional and ministerial achievements, Cynthia was a loving care giver to her beloved parents, Louise Harris (91) and Elijah Harris (90). Above all, Cynthia was a powerful woman of prayer. Those who knew Cynthia knew her as a devout worshipper. As written in James 5:16, "The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." Also guided by Philippians 4:6-7: "Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." In this vein, the "Prayer Partners" were formed over 40 years ago. This devoted group of women consists of Cynthia Howard, Jenette Davis, Gwen Richardson, Theresa Harris, Linda Jones and Persephone Hall-connecting daily, in the wee hours of the morning, with the sole purpose to intercede in prayer for the nation, the church, the community, their children and anybody that had a need. If you needed a prayer to reach heaven, these ladies were your point of contact, and you never had to worry about folks knowing your business. Their prayers were powerful, confidential, heartfelt and an anchor for so many. Dr. Cynthia H. Howard embodied the essence of servant leadership, always prioritizing the needs of others above personal gain or recognition. Cynthia's passing leaves a deep void and permanent ache in the hearts of many, including the community she so lovingly served. Her memory will be cherished by her husband, Edward D. Howard, Jr. (Bloomfield, CT); her parents, Elijah Harris (Hartford, CT) and Louise Harris (Bloomfield, CT); her four siblings: Michael Christian (Hartford, CT), Tinika West (Virginia Beach, VA), Kristopher Harris (Manchester, CT), and Taryn McCoy (Thomasville, GA); her four sons: Benford D. (Atiya) Stellmacher (Douglasville, GA), Edward D. Howard, III (Vernon, CT), Christopher D. (Yolanda) Stellmacher (Huntersville, NC), and Anthony T. Howard, Sr. (Covington, GA); her four grandchildren: Temeyah Spivey (East Hartford, CT), Ayonna E. Howard (Hartford, CT), Anthony Howard, Jr. (Lawrenceville, GA), and Niah G. Franklin (Charlotte, NC); her three great-grandchildren: True Spivey (East Hartford, CT), Maiden Priester (East Hartford, CT), Braylon Spivey (East Hartford, CT); and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren and cherished friends. 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