Bernice I Howard

Bernice I. Howard, 91, of Lima, passed away on Thursday, January 2, 2020, at 4:20 p.m. at St. Rita’s Medical Center. She was born February 14, 1928, in Lima to Elvie L. Sakemiller; she preceded her in death. She was united in Holy Matrimony to John L. Howard on February 19, 1948; he preceded her in death on April 26, 1987.

She is survived by two sons, Jan D. Howard of Lima and Stephen P. Howard of Columbus, OH; three daughters, Melanie  F. (Kevin) Howard Crawford of Lima, Susan P. (Tom) Kanode of London, OH, and Camilla E. (John) Irons of Lima; sister, Piccola Houck of Sidney, OH; seven grandchildren, Isaiah Howard “Her Rock”, Heidi (Joe) Slover, Skylar (Melissa) Irons, Arienne (Darrell) Chamblin, Deidre (Frank) Anderson, Vanessa Howard, and Tana (Jamie) Howard; a special great-grandson, Josh Miller; 28 great-grandchildren; and 13 great-great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by a son, Tracy L. Howard.

Bernice was a graduate of Central High School in Lima, Ohio and was a homemaker. She enjoyed cooking, coloring, crosswords, music, and most of all she loved spending time with her family.

Funeral services will be on Tuesday, January 7, 2020, at 2:00 p.m. at Harter and Schier Funeral Home. Pastor Fred Rowe will officiate. Burial will follow in Hartford Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday, January 6, 2020, from 2-8 p.m. at the funeral home. Memorial Contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital.