When speaking of individuals who have pioneered humanitarianism in Statesboro and Bulloch County, Mrs. Carrie Howard emerges as the truest example of a local trailblazer.
Carrie Howard was a native Bulloch County resident who spent much of her life working as a community catalyst for the Whitesville community. Her legacy extends from her work in advocating for the housing and recreational improvements within that community.
The Whitesville community was held near and dear to Howard’s heart. However, this was not simply due to her being a resident of the community itself. Her life's mission went hand-in-hand with "equity for all," it seems. Her passion for this underserved community burned deep within her soul, and her internal fire came from a deep desire to have our local underserved communities experience better living conditions and, in turn, a better quality of life.
Howard was born on April 25, 1933, and recently passed at the age of 90. She peacefully entered her rest on Tuesday, May 9, 2023, while surrounded by her loved ones.
Throughout her life, Howard was honored with numerous service awards for her public service work.
Some of her awards include:
- A 1990 recipient of the Deen Day Smith Service to Mankind Award
- The Outstanding President’s Award by the Bulloch County NAACP
- The Environmental Hero’s Award by the Environmental Community Action, Inc.
- The Charlie Lewis, Sr., Democratic Pioneer Award
Howard also served as president of the Whitesville Resource and Development Organization, Inc., for more than 35 years. During her tenure in this position, she worked tirelessly, alongside Bulloch County community leaders, to improve the standard of living for vulnerable communities.
The community outpouring of love, which followed her transition, made it evident that she was successful in her years of local advocacy.
Warm sentiments from Bulloch Board of Education member and Pastor, Maurice Hill and Statesboro Mayor Jonathan McCollar confirm this notion as well.
“When I think of Mrs. Carrie Howard, I think of a trailblazer," Pastor Hill shared. "She has consistently stood for equality throughout her life and remained steadfast in her advocacy for the underserved communities in Bulloch County. Mrs. Carrie never wavered on her stance on the local issues, no matter which public entity she was dealing with. She would make her stance known and ensured that her voice remained heard. She used her voice for the good of all.”
Mayor Jonathan McCollar shared similar thoughts.
“Mrs. Howard was a pillar in our community," said Mayor McCollar. "Her presence and advocacy for the people in the Whitesville community will be missed. Her work embraced some of the most vulnerable people in our community. Her passing is a sad day for the City of Statesboro and for those who were fortunate enough to be graced by her presence.”
Howard was the last surviving child of fifteen children born to the late William “Bud” and Victoria Gilmore Deloach. She is survived by her daughter, daughter-in-law, ten grandchildren, and numerous other loved ones.
For Mrs. Howard's full obituary, read more HERE.
