Mary Frances Howard

God needed another angel so He chose Mary Frances Howard. She fell peacefully asleep in the Lord in Charleston, West Virginia on July 29, 2018 surrounded by loved ones.

Mary will join into eternal life her parents Nicholas and Rose Howard, her brother, Dr. George N. Howard, sister Laurece (Ernest Kaleel) and Margaret (Wade Abraham), along with her Aunt Youmna Zouhary (Paul Zouhary) of Toledo, Ohio.

Mary is survived by her loving, devoted sister and friend, Gladys Howard of Charleston. She also leaves behind a large number of loving family including nieces, nephews, great nephews and lots of cousins in Charleston, Michigan, Ohio, North Carolina, Colorado, California, and Florida, all of whom adored “Aunt Mayme” and whom she adored in return. She also leaves behind many devoted friends and will be missed by all who knew her.

Mary was a life-long resident of Charleston, West Virginia. She attended Morris Harvey College (now University of Charleston). She was a person of many talents and began her professional life at the State Right of Way Division at the West Virginia State Capital. She also helped in her parents’ neighborhood grocery store, Sanitary Grocery, located close to the State Capital on California Avenue. But her favorite job was working as a certified dental assistant and technician at her brother’s Orthodontic Dental office on Quarrier Street in Charleston. There, along side her brother George and sister Gladys they dedicated their lives to serving the greater Charleston community.

Mary Frances’ Eastern Orthodox faith was the foundation and guiding principles of her life. When she wasn’t working she gave her time and talents to her church. She was a life-long member and active parishioner of St. George Orthodox Cathedral where she sang in the liturgical choir for many years. She was also a member of the St. George Ladies Guild.

Mary loved to travel and to be with family and friends. She made friends wherever she went -- she was easy to like with her sweet smile, twinkle in her eye and quick sense of humor – especially her one-liners for which she will always be remembered! She leaves us with her wonderful spirit, her courage and many fond memories.

The family thanks caregivers, Thea and Wanda, for their love and compassionate care.

Visitation will be Monday, July 30, 2018 from 5:00 pm to 8:00pm at St. George Orthodox Cathedral, corner of Lee Street East and Court Street, Charleston. Trisagion prayers will be offered in memory of Mary at 7:30 pm. The funeral service will take place Tuesday July 31, 2018 at 11:00 am, with a visitation one hour prior to the service. Reverend Father Christopher Eid and Very Reverend Father Olof Scott are officiating. Following the funeral service, the internment will be at Sunset Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to St. George Orthodox Cathedral or St. George Foundation, P.O. Box 2044, Charleston, West Virginia 25327-2044 are greatly appreciated. Freeman Funeral Home, Chapmanville, West Virginia is in charge of arrangements.