Obituary for George Douglas Howard Jr.
George Douglas Howard, Jr., was born March 3, 1941, in Jacksonville, Florida. The
first born to George Douglas Howard, Sr. and Dorothy Bowman Howard, he was
affectionately known as “Sonny” to family and close friends.
He attended the public schools of Duval County and graduated from New Stanton
Senior High School in 1959. A smart and charismatic young man, George was
inducted into the National Honor Society where he also served as President, and
was elected President of his Senior Class. He was also voted “Most Handsome”
and “Most Likely to Succeed” by his fellow classmates.
George attended Edward Waters College (University) and received a Bachelor’s
Degree in 1965. While at EWC, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and
served as chapter Polemarch during his senior year. George went on to teach
Science at Darnell-Cookman Junior High School. Though his tenure was short-
lived, he was a dedicated educator and thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent
touching the lives of his young students.
In 1968, George was met with a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma
from severe head trauma, for over two months. The doctor’s prognosis was grim,
stating that IF he woke from the coma he would not be able to function physically
or mentally. BUT GOD had a different plan! Not only did Sonny wake up, but he
has been a walking, talking MIRACLE for the last 54 years. Though his cognitive
skills were diminished, his charming personality and conventional wisdom always
shined through, even giving occasional glimpses of the strength, intelligence and
love he possessed as a man (son, brother, husband, father, friend, teacher) in his
twenties.
From infancy, Sonny attended Saint Stephen AME Church, the church of his
paternal family. He was active in the Sunday School, Boy Scouts and other youth
and young adult activities. After the accident he was no longer able to attend,
except perhaps for special occasions; but he remained connected to his church
through the Outreach Visitation Ministry, the Youth Department’s Annual Holiday
Visits and the Ministerial Staff. He enjoyed the monthly ministry of Reverend
Patricia McGeathey, as she rendered Holy Communion, prayer and fellowship.
Sonny was also blessed to be attend Peaches-N-A-Basket Adult Daycare for 20
years. Ms. Delores Flemming, Director, and her staff provided a place of safety,
creativity and purpose for Sonny to thrive in daily.
Always a joy to be around, family and friends loved being in his presence.
Whether bursting in laughter or intensely meeting the challenge of his strong will,
time spent with him was always a blessing. Unknowingly, he wore the title of
Patriarch of the Howard family well, providing the firm foundation of faith that
reached six generations.
Many loved ones were involved in the care of Sonny over the last fifty-plus years.
Preceding him in death, his parents and brothers, Gerald and Donald, looked after
him and served as his protectors during the early years of his disability.
Those who will forever hold fond memories of George in their hearts include: his
sister and primary caregiver for over 20 years, Dorothy Louise Grays, with whom
he shared a very special bond; sisters, Lois Barbara (George) Washington and
Karen Yvette (Gregg) Lester; children, George Douglas Howard, III and Jaada
Howard (Timothy) King; grandchildren, Venus Howard-Mitchell and Timothy R.
Howard; former wife and friend, Betty Ann Howard; special niece and nephew,
Tihesha and Reverend Aaron Mitchell, who both lent assistance to their mother in
Sonny’s daily care; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family;
best friend since childhood, Dr. Ronald Stephens, and many friends and
acquaintances.
The funeral service for George Douglas Howard Jr. will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 8th, 2022 at the Samuel C. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Chapel 4315 N. Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. The visitation will be 5:00 pm 7:00 pm , Friday, October 7th, 2022 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden 4315 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. Interment in Edgewood Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 904-765-1234
first born to George Douglas Howard, Sr. and Dorothy Bowman Howard, he was
affectionately known as “Sonny” to family and close friends.
He attended the public schools of Duval County and graduated from New Stanton
Senior High School in 1959. A smart and charismatic young man, George was
inducted into the National Honor Society where he also served as President, and
was elected President of his Senior Class. He was also voted “Most Handsome”
and “Most Likely to Succeed” by his fellow classmates.
George attended Edward Waters College (University) and received a Bachelor’s
Degree in 1965. While at EWC, he pledged Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., and
served as chapter Polemarch during his senior year. George went on to teach
Science at Darnell-Cookman Junior High School. Though his tenure was short-
lived, he was a dedicated educator and thoroughly enjoyed the time he spent
touching the lives of his young students.
In 1968, George was met with a near-fatal car accident that left him in a coma
from severe head trauma, for over two months. The doctor’s prognosis was grim,
stating that IF he woke from the coma he would not be able to function physically
or mentally. BUT GOD had a different plan! Not only did Sonny wake up, but he
has been a walking, talking MIRACLE for the last 54 years. Though his cognitive
skills were diminished, his charming personality and conventional wisdom always
shined through, even giving occasional glimpses of the strength, intelligence and
love he possessed as a man (son, brother, husband, father, friend, teacher) in his
twenties.
From infancy, Sonny attended Saint Stephen AME Church, the church of his
paternal family. He was active in the Sunday School, Boy Scouts and other youth
and young adult activities. After the accident he was no longer able to attend,
except perhaps for special occasions; but he remained connected to his church
through the Outreach Visitation Ministry, the Youth Department’s Annual Holiday
Visits and the Ministerial Staff. He enjoyed the monthly ministry of Reverend
Patricia McGeathey, as she rendered Holy Communion, prayer and fellowship.
Sonny was also blessed to be attend Peaches-N-A-Basket Adult Daycare for 20
years. Ms. Delores Flemming, Director, and her staff provided a place of safety,
creativity and purpose for Sonny to thrive in daily.
Always a joy to be around, family and friends loved being in his presence.
Whether bursting in laughter or intensely meeting the challenge of his strong will,
time spent with him was always a blessing. Unknowingly, he wore the title of
Patriarch of the Howard family well, providing the firm foundation of faith that
reached six generations.
Many loved ones were involved in the care of Sonny over the last fifty-plus years.
Preceding him in death, his parents and brothers, Gerald and Donald, looked after
him and served as his protectors during the early years of his disability.
Those who will forever hold fond memories of George in their hearts include: his
sister and primary caregiver for over 20 years, Dorothy Louise Grays, with whom
he shared a very special bond; sisters, Lois Barbara (George) Washington and
Karen Yvette (Gregg) Lester; children, George Douglas Howard, III and Jaada
Howard (Timothy) King; grandchildren, Venus Howard-Mitchell and Timothy R.
Howard; former wife and friend, Betty Ann Howard; special niece and nephew,
Tihesha and Reverend Aaron Mitchell, who both lent assistance to their mother in
Sonny’s daily care; a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family;
best friend since childhood, Dr. Ronald Stephens, and many friends and
acquaintances.
The funeral service for George Douglas Howard Jr. will be held 11:00 am Saturday, October 8th, 2022 at the Samuel C. Rogers, Jr. Memorial Chapel 4315 N. Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. The visitation will be 5:00 pm 7:00 pm , Friday, October 7th, 2022 at the Funerals by T.S. Warden 4315 North Main Street Jacksonville, FL 32206. Interment in Edgewood Cemetery. Please sign the family guest book and view the video tribute @ www.tswarden.com. Arrangements in care of Tyrone S. Warden, FDIC, 4315 N. Main Street, 904-765-1234