Hessie Lunsford Howard

December 13, 1916 - September 30, 2009

Hessie Lunsford Howard, 92 of 911 Radio Road, Statesville, passed away Wednesday September 30, 2009 at Autumn Care of Statesville, after an extended illness. She was born December 13, 1916 in Wilkes County to the late Isaac Lunsford and Ella Jarvis Lunsford. Mrs. Howard was a devoted wife and mother, worked at Markey Fabrics for years and did sewing and alterations in her home. She was a member of Western Avenue Baptist Church. She enjoyed spending time with her friends and loved helping people. She also enjoyed Atlanta Braves baseball and college basketball. In addition to her parents she was preceded in death by her husband, John W Howard, whom she married October 12, 1940; two brothers, Colonel “Hotshot” Lunsford, Ray Lunsford; and two sisters, Gertha Foster and Rose Proctor. Mrs. Howard is survived by her three daughters, Juanita Howard of Winston Salem, Brenda Barnette and husband Jimmy, Gayle Nicholson and husband Kenny, all of Statesville; one brother, Herbert Lunsford and wife Evelyn of Union Grove; four sisters, Elmere Heintz of Jurneys Nursing Home, Clara Templeton of Union Grove, Nora Stepp of Pleasant Gardens, Lora Rupard and husband M.P. of Union Grove. Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00am Friday October 2, 2009 at Western Avenue Baptist Church. Dr. Ed Yarbrough, Rev. Joe Parker and Rev. Allen Lunsford will officiate. Burial will follow in Iredell Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends from 10:00-11:00am at the church prior to the service and other times at her home at 911 Radio Road, Statesville. Memorials may be given to American Lung Association, 3801 Lake Boone Trail, Suite 190, Raleigh, NC 27607.