Theodore Roosevelt Howard

Theodore R. Howard was a beloved father, grandfather, educator, and man of unwavering faith, who departed this life at the age of 84. Theodore Roosevelt Howard was born on December 6, 1940, at Butler’s Hospital in Crockett, Texas to Freddie Lee Wiley-Howard and Willie Roy Fuller.

He spent the early years of his life in Crockett and joined the Colored Methodist Church at an early age. His family relocated to Lufkin, Texas when he was five years old, from that time until he was 17 growing up in the Jim Crow South and attended Lufkin Public Schools. He worked odd jobs after school to help his mother with the family budget. After high school, he attended Jarvis Christian College for one year. He then joined the United States Navy, where he served honorably for four years as a Dental Assistant.

After returning to Lufkin, he worked for two years before the birth of his first child-Terri. He was later hired by the Boeing Airplane Company in Seattle, where he worked for three years. His family joined First AME Church shortly after arriving in Seattle.

While working he attended college at night and earned his Bachelor’s degree from Seattle University and his Master’s degree from the University of Washington. He went on to serve in education for 32 years as a teacher and principal, retiring in July 2000.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed singing in the choir and serving as a church board member. He remained active in the community and faithful to service throughout his life.

He was a proud member of the Masonic Temple and a lifelong brother of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.

Ted’s commitment to excellence was recognized through numerous awards for his contributions to education and his deep involvement in faith-based service.

Through all his experiences-the Jim Crow South, the Vietnam War, and poverty-one thing that remained constant is his train of thought-that was getting an education. For Ted, his love of learning and educating others were the cornerstones to building a better life. Despite all of his accomplishments in life and there are many, Ted was the proudest of the fact that his family members, young and old have embraced the same basic principles of education and creating better opportunities for themselves and their families that were passed along to him. A proud man, Ted dedicated his life to the service of others, most notably through his impactful career as a teacher and high school principal. He was a firm yet compassionate leader who believed in the power of education to transform lives, especially within the Black community.

Our Ted transitioned to be with the Lord on May 25, 2025.

Ted was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Cora J. Howard, Mother-Freddie Lee Howard, Father-Willie Roy Fuller, brother Archie Howard and Step-Father Oscar Howard. Ted is survived by his brother James Howard (wife Emiko), Robert Howard (wife Norma), Terry Scott (wife-Lyanne), Gary Scott (wife Lenora) and sister Jackie Howard-all residents of Seattle, WA. Ted leaves to mourn his children-Terri Howard-West, Theodore R. Howard II (wife Lee), Shaundra Howard, Shari Howard-Powell (husband Joe), Chris Howard, Naikia Howard and Kesha Howard all residents of Seattle. He also leaves to celebrate his life 18 grandchildren in addition to 3 great-grandchildren. Deron Bryant, Aaron Bryant, Courtney West, Teddy and Lauren Howard, Cidric and Corey Hendrix, Jay, Jordan and Seth Powell, Krislyn Howard, Christopher Howard, Kadyn Howard, Kalil Howard, Kai Howard, Lazaya Howard, Noah Howard, Malia Howard-Richerson and great grandchildren Ares Bryant, Malachi Howard-Hutchinson and Ella Howard. Ted also had a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, students, family and friends whom all had the opportunity to love and be loved by Mr. Theodore R. Howard.

Ted was determined, brave, funny and was a blessing to his family. Ted was the Patriarch of the family and was a devoted husband and dedicated father. Ted’s legacy as an educator is matched only by his steadfast faith in God. A devout believer who loved the Lord with all his heart, he lived his life as a testament to grace, wisdom, and integrity. His voice carried both authority and kindness, and his presence was a steady anchor for his family, students, and community. Ted leaves behind a legacy that will live on through the many lives he touched, the lessons he taught, and the love he shared.

Galatians 2:20

I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.