Julia Howard

Julia Elizabeth Dickson Howard, 79, passed away peacefully in her sleep on the morning of October 18th, 2010, yielding to the effects of Cortical Basilar Degeneration (CBD). Born in Society Hill South Carolina on July 1, 1931 to Reverend Joseph S. and Pearl Dickson, she was the oldest of 3 children. She graduated valedictorian from high school in Bennettsville S.C. at the age of 16. She attended Benedict College for Women before transferring to what is now South Carolina State University, graduating with her degree in home economics at age 19. Mrs. Howard taught in South Carolina for several years until meeting and marrying her husband, William (Bill) J. Howard Jr., an Air Force officer, in 1955. As a military family, they were stationed on several military bases, with each of their three children Yvonne, William III and Samuel born in Washington, France and New Jersey respectively. Bill died in September of 2004, after 49 years of marriage. Mrs. Howard taught in several school districts, joining the Mount Holly Township schools in the early 1960’s following Bill’s retirement from the Air Force. She spent the majority of her years at Folwell and Brainerd Elementary Schools, focusing on the primary learning; kindergarten, first and second grades over nearly three decades of teaching. Kindergarteners were her favorite because she “could get them while they still loved to learn.” Julia had a passion for stimulating young minds, being honored with several awards and other recognition, and also enjoying lifelong friendships with former colleagues. Her commitment to her students reached well beyond the basic classroom experience; many of her former students credit her for their success later in life. She even taught the next generation of some of her students. Deeply rooted in her faith in Jesus as her Lord and Savior, Mrs. Howard was part of the Ft. Dix Main Post Chapel Protestant congregation for more than 30 years, sharing great fellowship and spiritual support. It was a family affair, as she and Bill supported their children and other chapel youth in participating with church choirs, youth musical and performance groups, and social activities. Julia was equally committed to her family and friends. She liked to travel; visiting her children and other relatives around the country and world, and also enjoying cruises with Bill and her others friends in later years. She was also the family historian and genealogists; dedicating herself to reconstructing her family tree and its legacy. Her research and subsequent documentation featured many newly discovered family members, some becoming aware of their roots for the first time. Mrs. Howard lived in the Holly Hills subdivision of Mount Holly for 44 years. At the time of her passing, Julia was living in Olympia, Washington with her oldest son and daughter-in-law. She is survived by her children and their families: Yvonne Howard O’Gara and her daughter Quincey; William J. III, his wife, Cheryl, daughter Lauren, and son, Vincent; Samuel C.H. Howard, his wife Lari, and son, Mercer; her sister Naomi Davis of Columbus Ohio and her family; and many maternal and fraternal cousins. Funeral service will be held 10 am, Friday at the Main Post Chapel, Ft. Dix. Interment will follow at the BG William C Doyle Veterans Memorial Cemetery, Arneytown. Visitation will be held Thursday from 5:00-7:00 PM at the Perinchief Chapels, 438 High St., Mt. Holly. Due to the latest Base security requirements, please contact the family at samnlari88@verizon.net or 757-478-2091 (call or text) by 9:00 AM Thursday morning with your intentions to attend the funeral. Visitation and interment are open to all.

Julia Howard

July 1, 1931 - October 18, 2010