Robert Lee Howard

Robert Lee Howard was born in Oxford, Mississippi on September 2,1942, to the union of the late James Robert Howard and Ola Mae Stockard Howard. In 2002, Robert united in holy matrimony to his loving wife, Mary Roberson Howard (“Lil Honey”) a faithful and devoted partner and companion of twenty-two years. 

His education journey started in Holly Springs, MS, where he attended St. Mary’s Catholic School during his early school years and Oxford Training School during his secondary years. At an early age, he professed his faith in Christ and joined Armstead Chapel CME Church (the current Christ Temple CME Church), where he worshiped and served faithfully in many capacities throughout his life. As a devoted and faithful servant of God, he served as a Trustee, Church Steward, Usher, Church Lay Leader, director of the Youth Fellowship, ground keeper, and Sunday School Superintendent. Additionally, he served one term as the Holy Springs/Oxford District Lay Department Leader. Robert also was an active member of the Oxford Training School Alumni Association, and was elected and served as national president of the organization. He was also a member of the Oxford Masonic Lodge #16.

Earlier in his life, Robert united in marriage to Jo Linder Pegues. To this union, four daughters were born. Jo Linda and their infant son, both preceded him in death. After the untimely death of his spouse, Robert became the sole caretaker of his daughters, and raised four beautiful and productive young ladies-alone-with the help of God

.Robert retired from UPS after thirty years of employment as a package delivery driver, and later retired for the second time from the Oxford School District as a bus driver for eight years. He had a passion for farming, gardening, traveling, riding his motorcycle, boating, and fishing. His hobbies also included videography, spending time with family and mentoring younger generations

Robert departed this earthly life on Tuesday, September 24, 2024, doing what he loved to do, working with his cows. The cows that he affectionately named, his “four legged go-go girls.”
To cherish his memories, Robert leaves behind his loving and devoted wife of 22 years: Mary Roberson Howard. Oxford MS; Six children: Charlotte (Darrell) Pegues, Douglasville, GA, Janet (Jessie) Campbell, Oxford, MS, Shae Calomese, Waveland, MS, Robbin (Randy) Liggins, McDonough, GA, Teddy Mullin (Amber) Hattiesburg, MS and Christina Mullin, Pearl, MS; Four brothers: Terry (Bertha) Howard, Byram, MS, Thomas (Ginger) Walton, Water Valley, MS, Larry (Sandra) Quarles, Brookhaven, MS, and Jerry (Valerie) Kirkwood, Oxford, MS; Seven sisters: Emma (Phil) George, Canton, MS, Arnetchers Dudley, Oxford, MS, Sandra (Arthur) Carver, Manassas, VA, Venessar (Clarence) Williams, Etta MS, Evertean (Darrell) Miller, Murfreesboro, TN, Beverly Mathis, Oxford, MS; and Linda Minor, Jackson, MS; One aunt: Mae Frenchie Houston, Oxford, MS; Brother In-Laws: Larry Buford, Sr., Jackson, MS; John Henry Pegues, Oxford, MS; Joe Willie Milliner, Oxford, MS, and Joe Lewis Pegues, Flint, MI; Sisters In-Law: Mildred Walton, Dallas, TX, Betty Jean Leverette, Conyers, GA, Ester Grace Boyd, Flint, MI, Edna Earl Perry, Flint MI, and Verlean Carothers, Oxford, MS; 13 grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren. He also leaves a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, friends, the Christ Temple Church Family, the Philadelphia MB Church Community, as well as his most cherished possessions: his “four legged go-go girls” and their protector, the donkey. 

In addition to his parents, James Robert Howard and Ola Mae Stockard Walton, and Jo Linda and infant son, Robert Lee Howard, Jr., Robert was preceded in death by his surrogate father: L.Q.C. Lamar Walton, Sr.; son in-law: Patrick Calomese; Siblings: L.Q.C. Lamar Walton, Jr., and Eula Virginia Walton Buford.

​​Please keep the Howard/Walton family in your prayers.