Mr. Mitchell Howard Jr.'s Obituary
Mr. Howard, 89, passed away Sunday, June 18, 2023. He was born and raised in Florence, MS (now Richland). After graduating high school, he played basketball and received a B.S. degree in General Agriculture from Alcorn State University in Lorman, MS. He was a proud and dedicated Alcorn Brave. Following graduation, he served as a Specialist 4 in the US Army.
Mr. Howard’s interest in agriculture led him to work at the Newton County Extension office. While in Newton, he met his future wife, Wilma Jean Jones. To this union, four children were born. Following his Extension service, he began a thirty-two year federal career with the US Department of Agriculture at Farmers Home Administration (now USDA Rural Development) where he was committed to helping rural Americans obtain affordable housing. His final positions included managing multiple counties as County Supervisor. After retirement from federal service, he joined the Mississippi State Department of Economic and Community Development where he was an Associate Manager for the East Central Regional Office in Meridian. His final career venture was Howard Realty & Appraisal Services, Inc. where he served as Owner, Broker, and Appraiser.
His civic and community service included being a Trustee and Church Clerk at Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church and a Deacon at both Ebenezer and New Hope Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Howard also held leadership/Board roles at Meridian Community College, Meridian Central Optimist Club, Meridian-Bonita Lakes Development Authority, Selective Service Board and the Meridian Municipal Airport Advisory Authority. He never lost his passion for basketball and served as a high school referee. He loved watching Westerns and sports, listening to all genres of music, hunting, enjoying time with his family and friends, and laughing that laugh that only he had.
Mr. Howard is survived by his wife, Wilma, of 58 years; his daughters – Dr. Tami L. Howard, D’An Howard Carter (Donnell) and Elana J. Howard; one son – Jonathan Mitchell Howard (Nicole); six grandchildren – DJ, Krystle, Eden, Emerald, Lily, and Joaquim Mitchell; one sister – Vivian Alfreda Gorden; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.
Visitation/Viewing will be held Friday, June 30, 5-6 pm at Berry & Gardner Funeral Home and from 10-11 am on Saturday prior to services.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations in Mr. Howard’s honor be made to Alcorn State University Foundation, Inc. (Website: www.alcorn.edu/giving-back/asu-foundation; Info: [email protected]) or New Hope M. B. Church of Meridian, MS.
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