Order of S ervice PROCESSIONAL “Total Praise” — Franklin “Bubby” Fann & Unlimited Praise/Praise Beyond and The End Time Levites Words and Lyrics: Richard Smallwood Call to Worship — Dr. Stephen Hilton, Officiant Praise and Worship — Pastor Raymond Hollis Charge to the First Lady — First Lady Emeritus, Joyce Howard (Mother-in-Law) Hymn, “It Is Well with My Soul” — Dallas Smith (Son) Text: Horatio G. Spafford (1873) Music: Philip P. Bliss (1876) Tune: Ville du Havre OLD TESTAMENT READING — Evangelist Sarah Street, Morning Star “The Dome” Church, Pleasantville NEW TESTAMENT READING — Reverend Landis Archer, New Hope Baptist Church, Atlantic City REMARKS On Behalf of the Fellowship of Churches — Reverend Hendricks, Pastor, Faith Baptist Church On Behalf of Education — Dr. LaKecia Hyman, Assistant Superintendent, Atlantic City Public Schools Obituary, Cards and Resolutions — Dr. Donna Grant Musical Selections — Pastor Franklin “Bubby” Fann & Unlimited Praise/Praise Beyond Remarks On Behalf of the Church — Bishop Richard Smith, Sr., Pastor, Morning Star “The Dome” Church, Pleasantville (Brother) On Behalf of the Siblings — Robert Smith (Brother) On Behalf of the Children — Austin Smith (Son) Musical Selections — Reverend John Howard, Jr. & The End Time Levites Eulogy — Bishop Sean Outen, General Overseer, Pentecostal Assembly of Jesus Only Inc. RECESSIONAL Homegoing Reception will be held at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church 7004 Ridge Ave. Egg Harbor Township, NJ 08234
In Loving Memory of Kathryn Earlene Howard (Smith) It is with profound sorrow that the family of
Above all, Kathryn was a woman of
Kathryn E. Howard announces her passing on
unwavering faith who served the Lord with
September 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA, after a
her whole heart. Raised from birth at Morning
brave and faith-filled battle with cancer. She was
Star Church, “The Dome,” in Pleasantville, New
50 years old.
Jersey, she was ordained there as a minister and missionary in 2011. In 2026, she was
Born on April 14, 1976, in Somers Point, NJ,
honored to be named First Lady of New Hope
Kathryn was a lifelong resident of Egg Harbor
Baptist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Township. She attended Egg Harbor Township Public Schools and went on to earn her
For many years, Kathryn ministered through
Bachelor’s in Education from the New York
music as a soloist and praise-and-worship
Institute of Technology and a Master’s degree in
leader, and as a member of Unlimited Praise.
Educational Leadership and Administration from
She served as church administrator at The
Rowan University.
Dome and was widely known for leading the Youth Deliverance Conferences, bringing gifted
For nearly 20 years, Kathryn served as a Special
ministers and performers from near and far
Education teacher with the Atlantic City Public
to inspire and uplift young people. She also
Schools, teaching at both Dr. Martin Luther King
served as assistant youth president for the
Jr. School and Texas Avenue School, where
Pentecostal Assembly of Jesus Only, Inc.
she was honored as Teacher of the Year. She impacted countless young lives through her
Kathryn was deeply committed to mentoring
instruction and mentorship, even teaching
and developing young people through her
language instruction to international students
service with the Atlantic City Chapter of Jack
from China.
and Jill of America, Inc., where she served as teen adviser and program director.
Kathryn was a beautiful soul whose love,
blessing many with her eye for design and
strength, style and presence touched the
flawless execution through her company, The
lives of so many. She poured her heart into
Kathryn Howard Factor.
her family, friendships, and community, leaving an impact that will never be forgotten.
Her faith guided her in everything she did. Up
Kathryn was preceded in death by her father,
until the very end of her life, she raised her
Reuben Smith, Sr.; her brother, Reuben Smith,
hands in praise to God. A devoted mother, wife,
Jr.; and her father-in-law, Reverend Dr. John
daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend,
W. Howard, Sr.
Kathryn’s legacy of love and faith will live on in all who knew her.
She is survived by her devoted husband, Pastor Jerod Howard; her children, Austin, Dallas, and Jenna; her mother, Katherine Smith; her siblings, Bishop Richard Smith, Jr., Robbin Smith-Hines (Gary), Robert Smith (Xochee), and Dr. Krystal Pleasant (Rashad); her mother-in-law, Joyce Howard; her brother-in-law, Reverend John Howard, Jr. (Kim); nieces Tori, Racheal, Dominique, Sy’rai, Rain, Soleil, Sade, Reagan and Joycelyn; nephews Richard, Jr., Daniel, Aaron, Tico, Ethan, Judah, Jashur, John, III; four greatnieces; one great-nephew; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and other friends whom she loved dearly. Kathryn loved her family with all her heart and delighted in producing exquisite events,
She will be deeply missed.
What Can We Say? (First Lady, Leading Lady) Minister Kathryn E. Howard, The Charge From the very beginning, I knew of Min. Kathryn E. Howard because of her family name only, the Smith family. But I got to know her in a new and special way fourteen years ago, when the planning and the marriage were about to take place between our Pastor the Rev Jerod L. Howard and Min. Kathryn E. Smith. So many conversations about decor, food, Gods grace and mercy, his providence and care were common between us. Her care and concern for me while going through my journey of taking care of our late pastor Rev. John W. Howard Sr. was very evident. We did not know during that time, that we were preparing for the elevation to “First Lady/ Leading Lady”, which was in God’s plan. We use these titles at various times, but what does it really mean? We even had that discussion of not knowing where it is written in the Bible First Lady, because we never saw it. However, we definitely knew what the word of God says in Proverbs 31 in reference to the virtuous woman. All of those qualities were present in her, as she took on that special role traditionally called First Lady. We saw her walk in that path in such a short time after our Pastor accepted the call to the New Hope Baptist Church. We saw her work side by side with her husband, and the church. We did not see her sit in her seat Sunday after Sunday, but we saw her working diligently with the music ministry singing melodiously Sunday after Sunday. She also encouraged the youth and others until her strength began to diminish. Therefore, a charge in that sense will no longer be necessary. Instead, we honor you Min. Kathryn E. Howard as you take up your residency in Heaven, and as you receive your just reward. For you have faught a good fight, and you have finished your course. We will miss you always, but never forget your qualities of love, leadership, kindness, humility, and a servant of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. So, your final charge is to REST IN PERFECT PEACE. From One First Lady to Another
PALL BEARERS Wesley Smith Deacon John Paxton Larry Smith
Dr. Dave Thomas Tony Timberlake, Jr. Carlos Lucas
With Love and Gratitude The Howard and Smith families extend our deepest appreciation to everyone who helped make this celebration possible, including: Morning Star Holiness Church “The Dome” • New Hope Baptist Church • Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church • Rev. Milton L. Hendricks & the Faith Baptist Church May Funeral Home • Rowan College At Burlington County (RCBC) Print Shop Barrington Regal Catering Services • Luscious and Sweet Bakery COLDArts Graphic Design • Jack & Jill Atlantic City Chapter Min. Stephen G. Hackley & Band Pastor Franklin “Bubby” Fann & Unlimited Praise/Praise Beyond The End-Time Levites • South Jersey Ushers Ministry • Evangelical Church Nurses Ministry • Catherine Mularz • Sarah Greene • Renata Bass Your generosity has helped us honor Kathryn in a way that reflects her remarkable spirit and the beauty she brought into every room, every gathering, and every life she touched. WE ARE FOREVER GRATEFUL. Professional Services Entrusted to: May Funeral Homes Graphic Design: Christopher Coley The Kathryn E. Howard Memorial Fund