Eleanor Howard

Eleanor James Howard, daughter of the late Daniel James and Ethel (Blanding) James, was born in Sumter, South Carolina, on Saturday, April 22, 1933. She peacefully transitioned at Kadima Rehabilitation and Nursing Facility in Campbelltown, Pennsylvania, on February 14, 2025.

Eleanor was educated in the Sumter County School System and graduated from Lincoln High School in 1953. She moved to Asbury Park, New Jersey, the following year. After a brief stay, she continued her migration to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

She was married to the late George L. Howard in 1957. Four children were born to this union: Darryl, Cheryl, Kimberly, and Jeannene.

Eleanor was employed at Harrisburg Hospital in the Central Supply Unit. She later sought employment with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation, from which she retired after 27 years of service.

She was a member of Monumental AME Church in Steelton, Pennsylvania, for over 50 years. She served faithfully as a member of the Senior Choir, Combined Choir, the Lay Organization, and the Usher Board.

She was a great storyteller. She spoke fondly about the love she received from her father, mother, and grandfather, affectionately called "Poppa," as well as her siblings and many cousins. These stories were defined by the lifestyles and values instilled in her while being raised in the South. She was an avid reader; she loved music, planting flowers, watching sports, walking, and traveling the country with her dear friend Jesse Mack.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Daniel James and Ethel James Howard, and her brothers, Ulysses and Stephen James.

To cherish her precious memory, she leaves her children: Darryl Howard; Cheryl Hitchens and her husband, Charles; Kimberly Davis and her husband, Mark; and Jeannene Howard. She is also survived by one sister, Rosa Jackson, and one sister-in-law, Cynthia James.

Her grandchildren include Joshua Fordham, Joey Banks, LaHi Fordham, Maile Fordham, Jenay Johnson, and her husband, Calvin; Justin Davis and his wife, Kareli; Logan Howard, Jason Davis; and Jordan Davis and his wife, Whitney.

Her great-grandchildren include Mikah-Isiah Johnson, Caleb Johnson, Isia Tucker, Asia Tucker, JaKari Johnson, Gianna Dawson, Aisha Kosofsky, Nava Davis, Sai Davis, Mikaila-Grace Johnson, Maya Davis Lizarraga, and Rey Davis Lizarraga. She also leaves behind one great-great-grandson, JaKobi-Eziah Johnson.

Ms. Howard’s Celebration of Life service will be held on Monday, February 24, 2025, at Hooper Memorial Home, Inc., 3532 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, PA 17109. Family and friends are invited to the viewing at 10:00 AM, followed by the funeral service at 11:00 AM.

Please keep the family of Ms. Howard in your thoughts and prayers.