Thomas James Howard

Thomas James Howard 86, of Little Rock, Ark., passed away December 10, 2011. He was a member of Greater Second Baptist Church. He retired from Fort Root V.A. Hospital of 32 years, as a Psychiatric Nursing Assistance. Thomas continued nursing care with the Pulaski County Health Department for 12 years as a Personal Care Aide. Thomas was a World War II Veteran, and received a Bronze Service Star medal. Thomas received an honorable discharge from the United States Army in 1947. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Olivia Howard; Four brothers, Frank Howad, Clayton Howard, Jesse Howad and Adam Howard; one sister, Laura Ann Howard Ray; two children, Wilhelmina Howard-Price and Reginald Howard. He leaves to cherish his memories, his wife of 43 years, Rebecca Randall Howard; two daughters, Rev. Yelena E. Howard, Sherwood, Ark., and Phyllis Cooper, Little Rock, Ark., two sons, Lee L. Cooper Jr. (Saundra) and Ronald Cooper (Darlene) both of Little Rock, Ark.; 11 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, family & friends. A celebration of his life will be on Monday, December 19, 2011, 11 a.m., at Greater Second Baptist Church, 5615 Geyer Springs Rd. Little Rock, AR. Interment will follow with honors at Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery, 1501 Maryland Ave. NLR, Ark. Family visitation: Sunday, December 18, 2011, 4-5 p.m., at Ruffin & Jarrett Funeral Home, 1200 Chester St., LR (501) 372-1305.