On Saturday, September 16, 2023, Oscar V. Howard slipped peacefully into eternal rest. Oscar was born on April 9, 1929, the oldest of two sons born to the late Catherine Howard and Joe Wallace.
Fondly referred to as “Jaybird” by his friends, he grew up in the Waller Mill Area of Williamsburg and joined the Oak Grove Baptist Church family after accepting Christ as his personal Savior. Later in life, he joined hands in fellowship with Colossian Baptist Church in Newport News, VA where he remained a faithful member until his death..
After completing his studies at the Bruton Heights Training School, Oscar later continued his education at Hampton University where he received a certificate for Stone Masonry. He was extremely gifted and accomplished what most of his peers could only dream of doing. He built homes, repaired and rebuilt cars, and was a clever problem-solver for whatever mishaps occurred in his universe! He was meticulously neat in everything that he did and demanded that everything be put in its proper place. He retired from both the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and Anheuser-Busch.
In 1950, Oscar was united in holy matrimony to Aquilla L. Bowman. They were married for thirty-six years and were blessed with one son, Marcus. Utilizing the land gifted to them by her parents, Oscar built their home himself. Following his wife’s demise, he married the former Constance B. Wallace. Together, they traveled extensively to many popular destinations throughout the world. His wife, Connie and brother, Ernest also preceded him in death.
Oscar leaves to cherish his memories, his devoted son, Marcus Howard and his wife Deborah; two step-daughters, Debra W. Jones (Thomas) and Renee’ Wallace-Kimbruw; former daughter-in-law Della Harris (Robert); goddaughter, Collette Roots; brother-in-law, Charles L. Bowman; two sisters-in-law. Patricia A. Lee (Leonard) and Marion Jones; two grandsons, Marcus Jr. (Tammy) and Ross (Ellie); one granddaughter, Shauna; three step-grandchildren, Ashleigh, Corey, and Chelsie (Neville); great-grandchildren, Kirtrell ( Aaliyah), Gabrielle, Farron, Elijah, Anthony, Kobe, Brody, Hayden, and Layla; great-great-granddaughter Avery; two step-great-grandchildren, Leyna and Eden; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.
A funeral service will be held at noon, on Wednesday, October 4, 2023, at Colossian Baptist Church. Interment to follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Mr. Howard may be viewed in the church on Wednesday beginning at 10 a.m. until the hour of his service.
