Fleater Howard

Fleater Howard, 102, of Canton, MI passed away December 25, 2020.

Fleater, affectionately known as Doll, was born April 18, 1918, in St. Joseph, Louisiana to the late Robert and Lottie Ford. She was one of four children born to their union, all of whom preceded her in death: Armstead, Henrietta, and Arthur. She was raised in Tillar, Arkansas, and lived there until she met the love of her life, the late Rufus Benjamin Ware. They were married on November 10, 1938. From their union, eight children were born: Roy Dean, Dorothy Jean (the late Samuel Cannon), Arthenia, Rufus Bryon, Darold (the late Annette Ware), Harold, Betty Jean (the late Reginald Kelsey) and Gary Lamar. Rufus and Fleater raised their family in Detroit, Michigan.

Fleater loved the Lord and was a devoted Christian. She was a proud member of New Mount Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Highland Park, Michigan, under the leaderships of the late Rev. John James Tillman, the late Dr. Jerome Kirby, and Pastor Kelvin Brooks. Fleater faithfully served in the Golden Rule Nursery, Kitchen Committee, Missionary Society, Mother's Board, Vacation Bible School and Christian Education Ministry for many, many years. While she was known for her cooking, her true passion was spending time with her family, traveling and serving the Lord.

After the passing of her first love in 1991, Fleater married the late Samuel Howard in 1992, who preceded her in death in 2010.

On December 25, 2020, Fleater received her crown and passed away peacefully at the age of 102; she was surrounded by family. She is survived by five children, Arthenia (Michael Abbott), Rufus (Patricia Ware), Darold, Harold and Betty, 14 grandchildren, 21great-grandchildren, a of host cousins, nieces, nephews and her beloved New Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church family.