Betty Ann Howard

In loving memory and celebration of the beautiful life of a beautiful soul.

Mrs. Betty Ann Howard (affectionately known to many as Mrs. Betty), was born on November 27th, 1931, in Athens, Georgia to the late Richard Brown and Minnie Stephens Brown, her loving parents. Outside of the few years that she spent in Brooklyn, New York, Mrs. Betty called Tampa, Florida, her home for over eighty-five years.

Mrs. Betty was employed for many years at M&L Nursery caring for young children and enjoyed working throughout the years as a nanny and babysitter, before retiring and spending time with her late husband, Israel, to whom she was married for over fifty-four years, kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Her passions included cooking, reading, and attending church at Westshore Baptist, where she was a member for over forty-two years.

The angels blew their trumpets, and the gates of Heaven were opened when Mrs. Betty was called home, on June 24th, 2025, at 7:47am. She is proceeded in death by her two siblings Mary Frances Lightburn, and David Brown. She is survived by her two other loving siblings brother John Wesley Brown and sister Tommie Lee Davis, and her loving and devoted children: sons Derek Stephen Howard Sr. and Jeffrey Keith Howard; daughters Stephanie Renee Thomas and Kimberley Charise Clay; sons-in-law Anthony Thomas and Rodney O’Brian Clay; daughters-in-law Kefilwe Lucia Howard and Penny Lou Howard; bonus sons and spouses; Israel Lee Howard, Jr. (Elizabeth Howard) and Mario Antonio Howard (Janice Havaughnia Howard); eleven beloved and cherished grandkids, twelve precious great grandkids, and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted friends.

A church service for Betty will take place Saturday, June 28th, 11 AM, at Westshore Baptist (305 N. Manhattan Ave, Tampa).