Henry Howze

Henry Lee Howze, Sr., age 74 of Erie, died Saturday, January 23, 2016 at Lecom Senior Living Center. He was born in Laurel, MS on July 22, 1941, son of the late Claude and Clara Mae Taylor Howze.

Henry graduated from Benson High School, Class of 1960. He worked for Hammermill Paper Company and retired in 1972. He later worked in the funeral industry for 25 years at Law Funeral Home, Schoolfield Funeral Home, and the Burton Funeral Home.

Henry was a member of Morning Star Baptist Church (since 1965) where he served on the Deacon Board, the Trustee Board (treasurer), the male chorus, and the senior choir. He also served as a Sunday school teacher, a van driver, and a maintenance worker for the church.

In addition to his parents, Henry was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Dora Benson; two brothers, Claudie B. House and Jordan Howze; and two great grandchildren, Abdullah Abu-Zebiba Jr., and Naziear Abu-Zebiba.

Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Rebecca Pinkney Howze; three sons, Henry Earl Howze (Michelle), Gregory Lee Howze (Veronica), and Tyrone Darnell Howze (Toni); three daughters, Betty Joyce Bender, Ruby Nell Howze, and Alisa Renee Howze-Diop (Max); three sisters, JannieMae Moffett, Marie Vaughn, and Katie Jones; two brothers, Willie Howze (Marie), and Abram Howze; a Goddaughter; Annetta Goodwine; 16 grandchildren, 26 great-grandchildren, many cousins, nephews, and nieces, and a host of friends.

Friends may call at Morning Star Baptist Church, 327 East 23rd St. on Friday, January 29th, from 4 to 8 p.m. which will include a musical service at 7 p.m., and are invited to services there on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Burial in Erie County Memorial Gardens.

Arrangements entrusted to Burton Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 602 West 10th St.