Mother Ethel Howard 90, departed this life on Thursday May 4, 2017 in Florence, SC. You may visit the family at 3312 Grady Road in the Rains Community. She was the wife of ML Howard and the mother of James Howard, Alice Conner, David Howard, Victor Howard and Cleve Nance. Funeral services are scheduled for 1:00pm Tuesday May 9, 2017 at the Bethlehem AME Church in the Rains Community. She will be laid to rest in the St. James AME Church Cemetery, Ariel Crossroad. Friends of the family are kindly asked to serve as flower and pall bearers.

For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4:6-8

Mrs. Ethel L. Howard (Monk) departed this life on Thursday May 4, 2017 at Honorage Nursing Center in Florence S.C.  Monk was born in Marion County to the late Sam and Adeline Crawford-Leonard.  She attended the public schools of Marion County. Monk was married to Mr. M.L. Howard for 70+ years and to this union 5 children were born.  She was preceded in death by one son Mr. James Howard, 2 sisters (Doris and Alberteen) and 4 brothers (Nick, Eugene, Malcolm and Ike). Monk was employed by Russell Stover Candies and Marion Nursing Center.

Monk leaves to cherish her memory to her husband Mr. M.L. Howard of the home, one daughter Alice Conner of New York, three sons Mr. Cleveland (Dora) Nance of Dillon SC, Mr. Victor (Mattie) Howard and Mr. David (Mary) Howard both of Marion SC.  A daughter-in law: Mrs. Doris Howard of Florence SC.  One loyal sister: Mrs. Eunice Bell of Rains SC.  15 grand-children, 39 great-grand children, and 15 great-great grand-children.  Two special nieces: Verdell Howard and Sadie Mason. Two special ladies that she loved as her own daughters:  Glenentle and Mae Dell Wilson of Rains S.C.  A devoted caregiver Cleceria Owens and a host of other relatives and friends.