Mary Davis Howard

Sister Mary Magdalene Davis Howard, a devoted wife, mother, and educator, was born March 18, 1937, in Williamsburg County, South Carolina, the beloved daughter of the late Charles Stanley Davis and Elizabeth Staggers Davis. She entered into her eternal rest on Wednesday, January 21, 2026.

Mary received her early education in the Williamsburg County public school system, graduating from C. E. Murray High School in Greeleyville, South Carolina. A lifelong learner with a sharp mind for business, she went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Allen University in Columbia, South Carolina.

It was following her graduation that she met the love of her life, Willie Glover Howard. They were united in Holy Matrimony and shared fifty-three wonderful years of marriage before his passing in 2016.

Professionally, Mary was a pillar of Richland County School District One. She served for over 30 years as an administrative assistant, lending her talents and warmth to the communities of Fairwold Middle School and C.A. Johnson High School before her well-deserved retirement. Mary’s business acumen also shone brightly in her entrepreneurial endeavors. She was a successful Director with Mary Kay, where her leadership and dedication were recognized with numerous accolades and awards, including the prestigious achievement of a Mary Kay car.

Her faith was the cornerstone of her life. Mary was an active and faithful member of Francis Burns United Methodist Church, where she served in various ministries. She held a special love for music and found great joy in singing soprano with the FBUMC choir. At home, Mary found her greatest peace in nature; she was a gifted gardener who loved tending to her plants. Her hands were rarely still, as she also created beauty through her love of cross-stitch and needlepoint.

Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Willie G. Howard; her brother, Tossie Davis; and her sister, Theodora Austin.

She leaves behind a legacy of love that will be forever cherished by her three sons, Rodney Sebastian Howard of Charlotte, NC, Carlos Shawn Howard and Craig Jekia Howard both of Columbia, SC; her two adoring grandchildren, Evan Chase Howard of Chicago, IL, and Gabrielle Simone Howard of Charlotte, NC; brother, Stanley (Beryl) Davis of Lane, SC; and a host of nieces, nephews, other loving relatives, and dear friends. Her gentle spirit and unwavering strength will be deeply missed, by all those whose lives she so lovingly touched.

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