Josephine Caldwell Howard
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JOSEPHINE CALDWELL HOWARD, the eighth child of Charles Wesley Caldwell and Beulah Quick Caldwell was born on May 25, 1928 in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She transitioned from this earthly life at the age of 94 on June 23, 2022 in Wilmington, Delaware.
"Jo" was a resident of Georgetown, South Carolina and moved to Wilmington several years ago to live with her daughter and son-in-law, Lynne Howard and Don Brown.
She received a Bachelor of Science Degree from South Carolina State College and a Masters of Music Education from the Indiana University School of Music. A lifelong educator, she loved music and was a positive influence on the lives of scores of young people in Georgetown through her work at Choppee and Winyah High Schools. She was the first African-American teacher selected as the Georgetown School District Teacher of the Year, a finalist for the South Carolina Teacher of the Year and a South Carolina Honor Roll teacher.
Mrs. Howard's entire life was blessed and enriched by her love of church music. She served for over 50 years as Minister of Music, Choir Director and Organist at Bethel A.M.E. Church in Georgetown, SC. She was a representative for the 7th Episcopal District for the A.M.E. Church on the International Commission on Worship and Liturgy. This Commission compiled the Bicentennial Hymnal and the Book of Worship. She also served as a faithful member and leader of the Women's Missionary Society at Bethel.
She was the recipient of numerous awards from the A.M.E. Church on all levels as well as recognition by the greater Georgetown community. These awards include: the Georgetown District A.M.E.C. Sons of Allen Award; the Hospice Award; the Delta Sigma Theta May Week Award for outstanding service in the preservation of African American history; the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Fine Arts Award; and the Distinguished Artist Award from the Indigo Choral Society.
"Jo" was a proud Diamond Member (75 years) of her beloved Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and was a Charter Member and 3rd Basileus of the Mu Phi Omega Chapter.
She was predeceased by her husband of 61 years, Bruce C. Howard, Sr., her son Bruce C. Howard, Jr. and seven (7) siblings, Madison Bernard, Charles, Harlowe, Jeanette, Ruth Ella, Beulah and Matthew.
She is survived by her daughter Lynne Howard (Don Brown), Wilmington, DE; four (4) grandchildren: Twanna (Henry), LaGrange Georgia; Eric, Huntsville, AL; Derek (Megan), Meridianville, AL; and Austin, Wilmington, DE; four (4) great-grandchildren: Miley, Eric Jr. "EJ", Kingston and Jayden; one sister-in-law Dorothy Howard; nine (9) nieces: Michelle Howard Harrell, Bertie Ruth Howard, Elisa Claire Staley, Laverne Jenkins, Phyllis Caldwell Poget, Karen Stewart, Audrey Martin, Gwendolyn Burton and Antoinette Owens; six (6) nephews: Frank Howard Staley, Matthew Caldwell, Charles Clendening, Robert Stewart, Richard Caldwell and James Caldwell, along with a very special friend Charlesann Buttone and host of dedicated family, friends and neighbors.
Celebration of Life Services were held on Saturday July 9, 2022 at Bethel A.M.E. Church. In lieu of flowers the family welcomes donations to the Music Ministry at Bethel A.M.E. Church, 417 Broad Street, Georgetown, SC 29440 or to a charity of your choice.