Raphield Howard

Raphield was born, June 6, 1941, in New Orleans, LA. He was the 4th child of the late, Isaiah Loxboro Howard Jr., and the late, Beatrice Miller Howard. He relocated and lived in Houston, TX, since 2005, until he was called home on August 22, 2023. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, son, brother, and friend. Ray was raised as a member of the Baptist Church and committed his life to Our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, at an early age. He graduated from George Washington High School in 1960.

As a young man he worked and assisted his parents with taking care of his younger siblings. He also enjoyed taking care of his nieces, and nephew. He loved music and always brought records and albums that constantly played in our home, which kept the family singing and dancing all the time. Ray was a dedicated father, enjoyed being a grandfather. and he was very excited to be a great-grandfather. He worked as an Administered Clerk at Charity Hospital, and Mail Clerk at LSU Hospital, New Orleans, LA, until his retirement.

Ray married Jo-Ann Taylor Howard, who preceded him in death. From their marriage, two children were born, Raphield Howard Jr (Lil Ray), and Yolanda Beatrice Howard. He’s the grandfather of Joseph Isaiah Howard (Jessica Howard), Taylor Marie Carla Gordon, and great grandfather of Kylie Amira Howard. He is survived by his siblings, Dolores Jackson (Paul Jackson), Isaiah L. Howard III (Lula Howard), Rosalee Stewart and deceased husband Edward Stewart Sr., Willow Howard Rodgers, Gene Howard, Gerald Howard Sr, and Sister-In-Law, Sandra T. Washington. His siblings that preceded him in death are Estoria Smith, Garfield Howard Sr., and Sister-In-Law, Sylvia T. Johnson, Georgiana Taylor Chapman (William Henry Chapman). Ray is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends, especially, Evangelist Evelyn Grace Darden.

Ray was a sports enthusiast, enjoyed all types of sports, and a big Saints Fan. He loved going to the casinos, racetrack, playing on Saints’ Football Pool, and traveling on bus rides to various events with his wife. Ray and Jo-Ann were inseparable and enjoyed their lives as husband and wife. Ray had a very cheerful personality, great laugh, and enjoyed enacting with people. He was loved and well-liked by many folks.

We will surely miss his caring heart and great smile. Ray, you’re in God’s Kingdom, now, spreading more love and joy. Rest in peace and power because your work on this earth has been completed.