Velma McDaniel Howard

At just 6 months gestation Velma McDaniel was born on December 13, 1919 in a small family home located in Logansport, Louisiana as the 2rd oldest of five children to Alvord and Carrie McDaniel (Cole). Her pilgrimage on this earth ended Wednesday, January 7, 2015 in Hanford, California.

Near the start of the 20th Century, just 42 years following the end of the reconstruction era and beginning of a racial caste system, there was no formal birth certificate or social security numbers issued; only a hand written record of birth on a piece of paper safely stored in the family bible of one of the centuries most unsung heroes. She was born in America’s first state to put an African-American governor in office that in the 1860’s became one of 13 States to secede from the Union and join the Confederacy. She lived to see the end of Jim Crow as the civil rights movement helped pave the path for her right to vote, later casting her vote at 91 years old for the first African-American President, our 44th President of the United States Barrack Obama.

Velma McDaniel accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior early in life imitating the example of her God-fearing mother. Over the years she learned to read and write while attending school when possible. She married Willie Howard and at 23 years of age she gave birth to a daughter, Willie Lucille Howard. In 1948 the Howard family made the jazz and blues epic center in West Oakland California their new home. West Oakland was a thriving cultural center and employment hub for African-Americans migrating from the Southern States to find work. She shared stories about domestic work she performed and the rave reviews she received about how well she ironed her employer’s shirts and maintained a spotless home. Ms. Howard took pride in a job well done. She also shared elaborate tales about adventures with her late sister Lucille as they experienced urban living. More than 10 years later, a few years past the birth of her granddaughter Sonia Renee Hughes in 1959, Mrs. Howard relocated her family closer to her mother and adult siblings in Hanford, California.

Settled in their new home located at 317 W. 2nd Street Ms. Howard found solace spending more time with her mother and siblings enjoying things like gardening and fishing. Ms. Howard opened her home to care for other children over the course of 20 plus years as a licensed foster parent becoming a pillar of strength to all those she raised. She started every morning with a 5 a.m. bible reading, coffee and cheese while listening to a local Christian radio station. She loved to laugh while winning at the game of dominoes with friends and family who came to visit. Likewise, Mrs. Howard loved her animals including her beloved Tiny.

Velma Howard was preceded in death by her father Alvord McDaniel, Mother Carrie McDaniel, Husband Willie Howard, Sisters Tular McDaniel, Tamon Allen, Lucille McDaniel, Era Thompson, and brother Collie McDaniel. She leaves to cherish her memories, a daughter Willie Lucille Scott of Hanford CA; granddaughter Sonia Hughes Farmah and husband Sciapha Farmah of Hanford CA and grandsons Rolando and Javantae Farmah, and Andre Loman; granddaughter Dr. Tasha Scott-Tomlinson and husband Dr. Imamu Tomlinson with their children whom she adored, Athena and Orion; daughters she raised: Carolyn Horn (Bailey) and Arnold (Ernie) Horn and grandsons Arnold Jr. and Solomon; Benny Bowen; Rose Mary Landrum; Darlene Sloan and husband Corey Hawkins with grandson Ashanti; Patricia Edmond and grandchildren DaVon, Precious, Jacquez, Perianna, Perria, PerriEllys, and Porsche; Granddaughter Andrea Wilson and her children Ky, Nia, and Caden; niece and caretaker Nellie Harlan; dear longtime friend John Sloan; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Special thanks to Cherice Andre (Talking Lady) and Trishina Littles-Young for just being there, and to James Green (Hairdresser) for making Mama laugh, the Lopez family, and former caretaker and good friend Patricia Rich.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, January 15, 2015 from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. with a Funeral Service on Friday, January 16, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. all at People’s Funeral Chapel; 501 N. Douty Street, Hanford, CA 93230 559-584-5591 with Burial to follow at Hanford Cemetery; 10500 S. 10th Avenue, Hanford, CA 93230.

Family and Friends are invited to view Ms. Howard’s legacy at www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com and send condolences to the family.

PEOPLE’S FUNERAL CHAPEL

501 N. Douty Street

Hanford, CA 93230

559-584-5591

www.peoplesfuneralchapel.com