A house RESOLUTION

 

To express profound sorrow upon the passing of Barbara Ann Holmes Howard, to celebrate her life, and to extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Whereas, the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives were deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Barbara Ann Holmes Howard on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the venerable age of eighty; and

 

Whereas, Barbara Howard, affectionately known as Barb, Aunt Barbara, or Auntie Butch, was the daughter of the late John E. and Lucille S. Holmes. She was born on June 19, 1943, in the Bronx, New York, and was educated in the Williamsburg County School System. After graduating from Tomlinson High School, she attended Claflin College where she graduated with a bachelor's degree in elementary education. She later received a Master of Education degree from South Carolina State College, did graduate studies in reading and learning disabilities, and completed coursework at Clemson University and the University of South Carolina. On August 31, 1963, she was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life James William Howard of Orangeburg. Four lovely children were born into that union; and

 

Whereas, a woman of God, Barbara was a member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church since childhood. After matrimony, she became a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church until her husband's death in 2012. She then joined her children at Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple of the Apostolic Faith; and

 

Whereas, Barbara was an outstanding educator. She was employed for over fifty years by Orangeburg County schools as a classroom teacher, reading support specialist, adult education teacher and coordinator, and as a teacher on special assignment. She earned numerous honors from her peers, parents, and district administrators for her affectionate nature and enthusiasm for teaching. She was named Teacher of the Year during her tenure at schools in Bowman in Orangeburg County. Barbara ended her career as the Save the Children program coordinator and as the sponsorship liaison for Dover Elementary. Over the course of her career, she touched the lives of thousands of children and adults; and

 

Whereas, a very involved woman, Barbara established the Females of Elegance Girls Club and served on numerous school committees. She was a member of the Episcopal Church Women's Organization Church Women United, was assistant superintendent for the Episcopal Church School, an Alter Guild chairperson, and a member of the Mother's Board of Victory Tabernacle Deliverance Temple. Additionally, she was a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a school representative for the South Carolina Education Association and for the National Education Association; and

 

Whereas, Barbara leaves to cherish her memory, sons: James W. Howard II of Orangeburg and Jon Wesley I (Tracy) Howard of Latta; daughters, Dr. Beth A. Howard-Brown (Bennie) and Brooke A. Howard of Orangeburg; sisters, Burnie (Julius) Barnes, Jean (James) Bullock, Elisha (Karl) McCottry, Lois (Hillmon) Ancrum, and Karen Lee; brothers, Phillip (Ethel) Holmes and Stephen (Carol) Holmes; grandchildren, Matthew C. Howard (Jasmine), Candace C. Howard, Jon W. Howard II, Matthew Howard of Gaffney, Deja B. Nowlin, and Joshua Howard; uncles, David Scott, Harold Scott, and Wilfred (Hattie) Scott; Charles Scott; and John L. Scott; aunt, Barbara Jean Fulmore; sisters-in-law, Martha J. Snelling and Peggye H. Wilson; best friend, Edith Sims; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends. She will be greatly missed. Now, therefore,

 

Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:

 

That the members of the South Carolina House of Representatives, by this resolution, express profound sorrow upon the passing of Barbara Ann Holmes Howard, celebrate her life, and extend the deepest sympathy to her family and many friends.

 

Be it further resolved that a copy of this resolution be presented to the family of Barbara Ann Holmes Howard.

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