Gloria Howard

Gloria was a dutiful daughter, a loving mother, and a devoted grandmother. She was born in Concord, North Carolina on July 24, 1944, to the late George Russell and Mary Bessie Stowe Thompson. Later moving to Columbia, South Carolina, she was a member of Shandon Methodist Church and graduated from Brookland Cayce High School in 1963. Continuing her education, she graduated from a private business college (Palmer College) in Columbia.

She married Thomas “Tommy” Hugh Howard and moved to Lake Murray where she spent most of her life raising her three children, enjoying the water and all that Lake Murray had to offer. She had a passion for adventure and loved to travel to the BVI’s, Abacos, Europe, Hilton Head, and Colorado (among others). She later split her time between Columbia and Seabrook Island, where she created lasting memories with her love Thomas Law Wilcox, along with her children, and grandchildren.

Seabrook was a very special place to her. Fishing on the docks at Bohicket Marina, crab races, movie nights at Fresh Fields, the beaches of Kiawah, and driving around the island with the top down on her convertible. These were the many highlights for her, especially with her grandkids. Her children loved seeing the happiness and joy Seabrook brought into her life.

Gloria was predeceased by her loving partner, Mr. Thomas Law Wilcox, her sister Mary Vivian Thompson Dail, brother-in-law John Authur Dail, and nephew John Russell Dail. Also, the loving Woodrow Wilson and Mary Elizabeth Gibson Howard, and Rev. Dr. Jacob Larry Yoder.

She is survived by her sons’ Thomas “Chip” Wilson Howard and his wife Jill of Lake Murray, Michael Brian Howard and his wife Merida of Columbia, and her daughter Shannon Leigh Howard of Columbia; her beloved grandchildren Preston Maddox Pooser, Grayson Elle Pooser, Colton Wilson Howard, Laken Crocker (Patrick) and Brennen Smith; great-grandchildren Loralei and Teagan Crocker, and Vann Culley.

A memorial service will be held May 11, 2026 at 2:00pm at the Caughman-Harman Funeral Home- Lexington Chapel, 503 N. Lake Dr., Lexington, SC 29072. The family will meet with friends and family after the service.