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The family Matriarch, was born Elizabeth Marshall on December 7, 1924, in Hamilton, GA. Elizabeth's mother died when she was 7 years of age leaving Elizabeth and her brother to be raised by their Grandfather (who was born into slavery and became freed at the age of 5). Elizabeth's grandfather also died when she was too young to support herself. She bounced around from family member to family member being shunned for being a dark-skinned child. Elizabeth decided at the age of 12 to take on her mother’s name and from then on was known as Mary Marshall. Mary Marshall married at the age of 16 to Charlie Walter Howard and eventually became a Mother of three, two daughters Elizabeth & Thelma and a son that died before he was 24 hours old. To ensure that their children had a better life, Mary and her husband relocated to Detroit, MI where she met her one of her most cherished friends Thelma Jackson, who preceded her in death. Mary wanted more out of life so she went back to college. She became a widow in 1978 but continued her studies and in 1979 graduated from Mercy College at the age of 55 with her degree in Sociology. After graduation, Mary worked for a Nonprofit organization called Suicide Prevention until they closed almost 3 years later. After the organization closed Mary took that opportunity to start traveling to places like Mexico, Bahamas, California and other areas while working part-time as a companion in different hospitals. Mary instilled her love for reading & travel upon her two daughters and the importance of higher education.

On Friday, June 22, 2018, Mary Elizabeth Howard went home to be with her Lord & Savior Jesus Christ at the age of 93. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her long life two daughters; Elizabeth Ashman & Thelma Howard, three grandchildren Marsha A. Howard, Carole A. Howard and Charles K. Howard(Shavonne), ten great-grandchildren, ten great-great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives & friends.

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