Howard Columbus Heard

Howard Columbus Heard, Jr., 87, of Washington D.C., passed away peacefully on the morning of July 14, 2024, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Howard was born to the late Howard Heard and Lucy Williams-Walker on May 6, 1937, in Memphis, Tennessee.

Howard was educated in the public schools of Memphis and graduated from Booker T. Washington High School.After high school, Howard proudly served his country in the United States Army. Following military service, Howard pursued higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Philosophy from the University of Memphis in 1963, and later a Master of Computer Science from Howard University in 1973.

Upon completing his education, he pursued a career in Mathematics and Computer Science at IBM and later expanded his career within the federal government. Retiring from the Department of Energy after a long and successful career, Howard was a long-time resident of Washington D.C. for over 50 years where he was a long-standing member of Gideon-Mt Sinai Circle at Shiloh Baptist Church. Due to unforeseen circumstances, he relocated to live with his son and family in 2020. For the last two years of his life, Howard received compassionate care at Commonwealth Memory Care (Great Bridge) Chesapeake, Virginia.

Throughout life, Howard was known for commitment to work, devotion to family, and passion for music. A self-taught pianist, Howard found joy and solace in playing the piano, a skill honed throughout life. This love for music enriched not only Howard's life but also the lives of those around him.

Preceded in death by his sister, Mary Jean Heard, Howard is survived by his son, Dexter Tyrone Jackson-Heard, daughter-in-law Nicole Jackson-Heard, and their three children: Brielle (13), and twins Camren and Jordan (9). Also surviving are his daughter, Stephanie Melinda Jackson- Heard, and her son J'mar (14), as well as his former wife, Mary Jackson-Heard, mother of Dexter and Stephanie.

Additionally, Howard leaves behind his sister Mary Jean Heard's children: Dianne, Mitchell, and Toyetta; as well as his former sister-in-law Barbara Seaforth and her children (Howard's nephews and niece): Sean, Kiffany, Javon, and Ryan.

Celebration of Life service for Mr. Howard Heard will be on Friday, July 26, 2024 beginning at 11:00 AM in the morning at Grace & Truth Community Church, 1300 Walker Ave, Elizabeth City, NC 27909.He will lie in repose from 10:00 AM until time of service.

Howard will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and all whose lives he touched. His legacy of service, love, and music will continue to resonate in the hearts of those who knew him. May he rest in peace.

Stallings Funeral Home will be assisting the Heard family with excellence and care during their time of bereavement.

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