Even amidst changing times, Pastor Howard’s life remained anchored in Scripture and dedicated to the tangible work of healing and “feeding” his neighbors, proving that faith in action is the most powerful testament a pastor can leave.
Pastor Howard lived by the Scripture, Psalm 121: “I will lift up my eyes to hills from when cometh my help. My help cometh from the Lord…”
During his 42 years of leadership, Howard had the chance to mentor numerous fellow pastors. The late Rev. Edward Vernardo was his assistant pastor before leaving to lead Macedonia Baptist Church. Rev. Michael Youngblood went on to pastor First Baptist Tabernacle Church from 1987-1989. When Pastor Howard retired in June 2012, his son Sylvester “Ronnie” Howard, whom he personally ordained, took the helm at Trinity.
“I think his legacy is that of showing unconditional love to others and always giving people a chance to be the best that they could be,” said Edith Cepin, his oldest daughter.
Pastor Emeritus Howard was preceded in death by his parents Fred and Iola Howard. He is survived by his wife, Mother Inell Howard; brother Frankie Lee Howard (Earnestine); his children Darian Pettis, Edith Cepin, Sylvester Ronnie Howard, Carolyn Claytor, Reginald Howard, and Samantha Davis; his grandchildren; great-grandchildren; a host of nieces and nephews; and his extended church family.
Multiple viewings and services have been scheduled to honor Pastor Emeritus Howard. The first viewing is set for 4-7 p.m. Wednesday, July 29, at Morgan Jones Funeral Home, 4200 Broadway. He will lie in rest from 2-7 p.m. Thursday, July 30, at his beloved Trinity Baptist Church, 3601 12th Ave. A final viewing takes place from 9-10:15 a.m. Friday, July 31, at St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 3996 14th Ave., with a celebration of life service set to follow at 10:30 a.m. A military burial is set for 12:30 p.m. Monday, Aug. 3, at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery, 5810 Midway Road in Dixon.