"Life is like a mountain railway with an engineer that's brave we must make this run successful from the cradle to the grave.”

This verse is only a drop in the bucket from one of the old songs that she would sing but also some of them were actually the epitome of her life.

Rev. Emma F.  Howard’s spiritual marathon began on Sept 8, 1935 in  Baker, Louisiana where she was born to Angeline and John Foster, Sr.

Her training and upbringing was one that led her to accepting Jesus Christ as her lord and savior and being baptized at an early age, setting the foundation for a life guided by faith and service.

Rev. Emma F. Howard was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, educator and Trailblazing Minister, the embodiment of faith, and perseverance.

She was a proud graduate of Grambling State University in  1957 where she cultivated her passion for learning and teaching.

After graduation, she then married Wilbert E. Thomas Sr. in  1968 and left her family behind to move to Galveston, Texas where she lovingly raised 6 children.

Although she faced many obstacles and personal trials Including divorce, Emma’s resilience shined through. 

She remarried in March of 1980 to the late Reverend Justin P. Howard Sr. and soon after was blessed with another child expanding her family with love and grace.

She was a valuable asset to the Galveston Independent School District (G.I.S.D) where she began her teaching career, impacting countless lives through her commitment to education and personal belief that any child can learn with a little help.

She retired in fall of 1989, but continued to serve as a substitute teacher until the spring of 2006, never letting up from her stern beliefs or disposition.

She had great sense of humor and loved to laugh.  She had a joy that the world didn’t give and the world couldn’t take it away!

She never met a stranger and definitely was a force to reckon with if it was needed.  If you know then you know.

It was no secret that her faith was nothing to play with. Even the neighbors knew that her house was a bible reading/teaching home, that she strongly believed in the power of prayer and that she was going to serve the Lord until she leaves this world.

Along with teaching, she answered the inescapable call of the Lord expressed in Luke 4:18 "The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to preach the gospel ..." Never allowing the challenges of severe rheumatoid arthritis to hinder her spirit, determination or dedication. Rev. Emma F. Howard earned her ordination as a minister of the kingdom of heaven when it wasn’t favorable for women.

She was an active and influential member of Shiloh A.M.E church where she taught the youth the importance of prioritizing and spiritual values and reminding them of the savior's words " seek ye first the kingdom of God…"

She was actively involved in local and conference church activities including visiting the sick and shut in, Volleyball, Rights of passage, conference Y.P.D retreat and convocations.

She was president of the Gospel Choir and a dedicated member of the Weekly Prayer Band, where she emphasized that “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

As a devoted member of the Shiloh’s Volunteer Support Team, she made sure to call you, send a sympathy card or even a fish dinner if necessary, always ready to pitch in to do what she could to help out.

She believed that the children were the future. She would encourage the youth to use spiritual values in their thoughts, words and actions.

Reverend Emma F. Howard's legacy is one of unwavering faith, love, strength in adversity and a deep love for her family and community. May her light continue to shine brightly in the hearts of those who knew her and the many lives that she touched!

Awaiting her arrival in heaven is a host of family members including her husband Rev. Justin P. Howard Sr.; 2 sons - Wilbert E. Thomas Jr. and Justin P. Howard Jr.; 1 daughter - Cineria L. Thomas and her youngest grandson Terrance E. L. Howard -"T4". Also her parents, 5 sisters and 2 brothers.

Left to cherish her loving memories are her daughters, Frances M. Davis, Gretchen Thomas (Vince), Matishe  Allen (Anthony); her son - Sion Thomas (Lynette); her grandchildren - Howard “Sonny” Nix (Tasha), Thomas “Drew” Nix, Kellette Coney (Joshua), Elisha Davis, Ezekiel Davis, Amesika Nyaku (Jeff), Sena Nyaku, Ashley Haight, Frank Haight, KellyThomas, Olivier Thomas, Israel Thomas, Omar Martin, Omari Martin, Raynesha Shyne,  Curresha Miles, Jonae Brown, Jovonte Brown, Makaylah Shyne, Shana Marr, Maegen Kimes, Nikkita Kimes, Leonard Geters, Kenya Guidry, Antonishe Rice, Austice Rice, Ter'ria Howard, Kamaria Allen, Marcus Allen, Antinette Hilton (Dante), Travon Allen and Xavier Joyce (Jeanel) and a plethora of great grandchildren, great great grandchildren , nieces, nephews, and family members.

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