Vera Lee Howard

Vera Lee Howard obituary, grand rapids, MI

Vera Lee Howard

Vera Howard Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Nov. 1, 2024.
Vera Lee Howard (née Williams), aged 87, passed away on September 21, 2024, in Grand Rapids, MI. She was born on May 30, 1937, in Tupelo, Mississippi, to Benard and Elvira Williams. Vera married Sammie Howard Jr. and they moved to Benton Harbor Michigan to start and raise a family of seven children. She and her six siblings raised their families very close and were a loving family.

Vera moved to Grand Rapids Michigan in 1981 and became a beacon of warmth and generosity, known for keeping an open door to anyone in need. Her passion for gardening brought her immense joy, and she could often be found tending to her flowers and plants. An avid fisher, Vera delighted more in the thrill of the catch than in the feast that might follow.

She leaves behind Sammie Howard, and their children: Lorita Broyles, Michael Howard, Deborah Howard, Sandra Howard, Christopher Howard, Tony Howard, and Angela Howard Dalton, along with many cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Vera was predeceased by her granddaughter, LaShanda Howard.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Vera's memory may be made to any organization dedicated to caring for children and feeding the less fortunate, honoring her lifelong commitment to helping others.

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September 21, 2025

Lorita broyles posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2025

Lorita broyles posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2025

Rita Broyles posted to the memorial.

Lorita broyles

September 21, 2025

Hi Mama. It has been a long year. You warned us to do and say everything we needed to because it's too late for the words to mean anything to you. All that's left to be said now is I LOVE YOU, MAMA!

Lorita broyles

June 1, 2025

Hey Lady. You and Bobby have celebrated another birthday. Mama, this was your first heavenly birthday and I hope your family celebrated you in style...lol. Mama, you have been the strength behind this family all our lives so please know that we still look to you. Don't ever think you are not missed. I love you through the stars.
Rita

Rita Broyles

May 25, 2025

Hey Vera, guess who wants to say I LOVE YOU! BAM and DANCEMAN.

Lorita broyles

April 30, 2025

Hey Lady. I miss you. Your birthday is coming soon, but first there is Mothers Day. You are missed and you are loved. Mama, I am sorry that I didn't give you more flowers. I have had some challenges since you went home and I have felt you holding my had. I love you.

Rita

November 19, 2024

Hi mom. I know I have been here a lot, but I am accepting your departure from this earth the best way I can. Talking to you and about you helps me daily. I love you, lady. Your spot, footsteps and legacy can never be replaced. May you have a heavenly sleep.

Rita

November 11, 2024

The rock, the strength and the glue that is the foundation of our family. Mama, your determination to this family is why at the end of the day we are there for each other. No matter how far we stray, the morals and standards you instilled in us are how we stand at the end of the day. You forgave me for the things I didn't do by showing me that love is all that matters. I talk to you everyday, sweet lady. I love you!

Lorita broyles

November 3, 2024

Mama combined a love of gardening, cooking and sharing by bringing a baby peach home and planting it in the yard at her apartment. There were many peach cobbler baked, large juicy peaches eaten and shade provided by that one tree. Mama even acquired some squirrel friends that were given names because of that tree. One day a particular squirrel friend showed my sister Missy, and I that he didn't want us sitting in his spot by leaping at us. We jumped and ran, but laughed afterwards.

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Sign Vera Howard's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

September 21, 2025

Lorita broyles posted to the memorial.

June 1, 2025

Lorita broyles posted to the memorial.

May 25, 2025

Rita Broyles posted to the memorial.