Leon Dewayne Howard

October 18, 1957 - December 25, 2021

10/18/1957 - 12/25/2021

Past Services

Memorial
Friday January 07, 2022
10:30 am
Altmeyer Funeral Home - Southside Chapel
5033 Rouse Drive
Virginia Beach, VA 23462
(757) 422-4000 | Directions

Leon Dewayne Howard, age 64, was born on the 18th of October 1957 in Sumter, South Carolina to Ada J. Howard and Charlie N. Howard. He died on, Christmas Day, Saturday, 25th of December, 2021 in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He lived a life of devotion to God, his wife (Marlene), his family, his country, and his profession.
Leon was raised in Mayesville, South Carolina by his loving grandmother, Ida L. James, and graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in Elliott, South Carolina. After high school, he attended South Carolina State College in Orangeburg, SC (“SCSC”). From SCSC, he joined and served in the United States Navy as a Quartermaster. While serving, he did a tour of duty in the United Arabi Emirates as well as Sigonella, Italy before retiring from the Navy in 1996. He spent the last 25 years of his career working as a MSC Membership Associate for AAA of Tidewater.
During his service in the US Navy, Leon met the love of his life Marlene Ishmael. They were married on the 23rd of July, 1994 in Virginia Beach, Virginia and their life together was inseparable.
As a youth Leon was a very active member of Unionville AME church where he was a member of the choir, an usher, a very active member of the youth group, and he played the piano during youth services. Throughout his entire life, he remained dedicated to serving the Lord and was a tremendous blessing to those who knew him. Leon, along with his wife Marlene, served in a variety of ministry roles, including coordinating household fellowships, Bible classes, and community outreach with The Way International in Virginia Beach, VA. He loved God, family, and people. He was one of the biggest givers you could ever hope to meet.
Because of his abundant love for family, Leon always set aside part of his vacation to be with family, especially his mother in South Carolina. Leon was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents Elias and Ida James and paternal grandparents George and Rebecca Howard as well as his sister Pandoria Howard, his father Rev. Charlie N. Howard and stepparents Leon Marshall and Geraldine G. Howard. He is survived by his mother Ada J. Marshall of Mayesville, SC, his wife of 27 and a half years Marlene Yvonne Howard, siblings Eddie S. Howard, of Sumter, SC, William V. Howard, of Houston, TX, Alethia (James) Morris of Charlotte, NC, and David (Courtney) Howard, of West Columbia, SC as well as his mother-in-law, Fay Ishmael of Lake Worth, FL. Nephews and nieces Kevin Kinard of Atlanta, GA, Marketh E. Howard of Sumter, SC, James E. Morris, III of Charlotte, NC, Jazmine C. Morris of Concord, CA and Javari C. Morris of San Diego, CA. and a host of cousins and other relatives and friends.
Leon was a man of deep faith, a loving husband, loyal son, a committed and very supportive brother, uncle and an honored veteran. He was all of these things and so much more to all that knew him.
A celebration of his life will be held on Friday, January 7, 2022 at Altmeyer Funeral Home, 5033 Rouse Drive, Virginia Beach, VA 23462 at 10:30am. The service will also be available virtually as well.
Leon will be laid to rest, beside other family members, in a private burial in the cemetery of Unionville African Methodist Episcopal Church in St. Charles, SC.
Altmeyer is in charge of arrangements.
If you would like to contribute to a nonprofit organization on behalf of, or in memory of, Leon Howard you may make your contribution/donation to The Way International. It is available by clicking HERE and add in the special instructions box that this is a charitable donation in Leon Howard’s memory.

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Admin
2 years ago

Leon and Kiri

Admin
2 years ago

Leon and Marlene-Livedalens Visit

Admin
2 years ago

Leon and Marlene Together

The Horne Family
2 years ago

Marlene and Family,
Leon held a special place in our hearts, along with you Marlene. You two are the first contact we had when moving to Va. Beach in 1999. You opened your hearts and home to us! We enjoyed so many good times together! Leon’s deep love for our Heavenly Father was evident in everything that he did. We loved his commitment, boldness, his love for all, his singing, and his generosity in spreading God’s love and prosperity. He is greatly missed! We are thankful to have spent the time with him and look forward to seeing you again! So thankful for Christ’s return and eternal life! Praying for you Marlene and love you so much!

Gloria Ashlock
2 years ago

Mrs. Howard, may I offer my deepest sympathy and condolences to you and your family.
There’s no worst pain than losing
one’s soul mate. I pray for your
strength in the Lord and that he will
comfort and keep you in his loving
arms. May all the beautiful memo-
ries of your husband be a blessing to
you and your family. His love will
stay with you forever. I did not work
in his dept, but I’ve known him 25
plus years. He was always kind, and
helpful when he took your call. AAA has lost a valuable employee. He will surly be missed be all. He has answered God’s call. Heaven
is rejoicing! Please know you are in
my thoughts and prayers.

Tricia Brown
2 years ago

Leon will be thought of fondly and often. I will miss my neighbor. To Marlene and family, warmest thoughts and prayers lifted for comfort and peace at this time, and the days and months to come. With love, always ~ Tricia Brown

Katie McAuliffe
2 years ago

Leon was truly a man after Gods heart who loved those around him in word and deed endlessly. He showed us all what it was like to be a living testimony of Gods goodness… To Marlene, Leon’s mother and siblings; I can only imagine how heartbroken you are, may the peace of God, his endless love and the Hope of eternity comfort you as you walk through this valley.

Linda Brown
2 years ago

I am so thankful for Leon’s heart, commitment, and stand on God’s word which impacted my life when I needed encouragement and guidance during a difficult time. Leon had an enormous heart to serve God’s word with great love and care. My thoughts and prayers for Marlene and the family.

Peggy Williams
2 years ago

Marlene, and Leon’s Mother and Brother and surviving family members, It has been a privilege to have a few precious times with him and Marlene during ministry events. The Christ in he and Marlene just radiated, which always was comforting and healing for me. I thank God for his life. You are all in my prayers.

Nelson Da Cruz
2 years ago

Marlene please accept our deepest condolences on the passing of Leon. Amelia and I are thankful for all of the years we have shared with you and Leon. May God provide you comfort in your time of need.
With Love Nelson & Amelia and Family!