In humble submission to the will of God, we announce the earthly transition of Betty Henderson Howard on July 30, 2026.

Mrs. Betty Henderson Howard was born on April 15, 1934, in Quincy, Florida, to the late John Ennis Henderson, Sr. and the late Ruby Lee Green Henderson. She was educated in the public schools of Gadsden County, attending W. S. Stevens School and graduating from Stevens High School.

Betty Howard attended Florida Memorial College for undergraduate studies and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in education. She later matriculated to Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University, where she earned a Master’s Degree in education.

While attending Florida Memorial College, Betty met the love of her life and husband, the late Hillie Howard, Jr. They married on December 23, 1957. They have one son, Dwayne H. Howard (Judy). Betty was a loving and devoted wife, mother, and matriarch of her family. Her love for her family was unquestionable.

Betty’s professional life was spent in the field of education, where she dedicated 36 years. Her first teaching assignment was at W. S. Stevens School in Quincy, Florida. Once she moved to Jacksonville, her first teaching assignment was at Baldwin Elementary. Betty also taught at John E. Ford Elementary, Moncrief Elementary, Rufus E. Payne Elementary, Carter G. Woodson Elementary, and San Mateo Elementary, from where she retired.

Betty accepted Christ early in her life. She was a dutiful, faithful, and supportive member of Central Metropolitan C.M.E. Church, serving as a Sunday School Teacher, choir member, creating the Church’s Memorial Tribute, and serving on various committees until her health declined and she was no longer able to do so. Betty was also a founding member of King Solomon United Baptist Church, where she served as Sunday School Superintendent, Sunday School Teacher, Vacation Bible School Director, and served in many leadership capacities.

Betty’s social and civic affiliations were numerous. Key amongst them was her membership in Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Gamma Rho Omega Chapter in Jacksonville, Florida, where she was a life member for 74 years and a Pearl Soror.

On the evening of Thursday, July 30, 2026, Betty departed this life to enter into the eternal rest of her Savior. She was preceded in death by her husband: Hillie Howard Jr.; parents: John Ennis Henderson, Sr. and Ruby Lee Green Henderson; her siblings: Caldwell Henderson, John Ennis “Pank” Henderson, Jr., Essie Mae Harris, Eddie Lee “Nank” Henderson (Velma), and Wallace Henderson (Virginia); niece: Linda Gail Mitchell; nephew: Floyd Henderson, and great-niece: Christy Burks.

Left to cherish her life and legacy are her son: Dwayne H. Howard (Judy); three grandchildren: Tori Peoples (Jason), Alexis Howard, and Kayla Rountree (Archie); six great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Velma Henderson, Delphia Nixon, and Dorethea Thomas; nieces and nephews: Nikki Jones (Bryan), Tiffany White, Dionne Dyches, Tracy Henderson, Edward Anderson, Jonathan Anderson, Rosemary Henderson, Don Henderson, Cauldwell Henderson, Annette Henderson, Freddie Henderson, Rubin Henderson, Donna Williams, Renee’ Mitchell, Joe Henderson, Wanda Cox, Ronald Howard (Gloria), Maurice Smith (Tonya), Donna Sheppard, Hubert Nixon, Ivan Howard, Kelvin Howard, Mario Nixon, George Thomas, and Shericka Thomas Brown; special friends: Allen Moore, Norma White, Marcel White; and a host of other loving family members and friends.

The visitation will be held in the church on Friday, August 21, 2026 from 4:00PM - 7:00PM. The celebration of her life will be held Saturday, August 22, 2026 at 11:00AM in the Central CME Church, where she held membership. The final disposition of burial will be held in Evergreen Cemetery.

In the time of personal loss, the beloved family has elected to locally entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with transitional after-care arrangements to Holmes-Glover-Solomon Funeral Directors, Inc.