FONDLY “ZELL”A Tribute to Zellima From Mother Eliza Williams

Zellima, my flesh, my bone, or Zell as was fondly known, whom we lovedNo longer can she tread the roads of this earthly home

Like a scented flower, she was cut in bloom, from our family tree, and it grieves meA Godly Woman, our daughter, a sister, mother wife, confidant, my Zell life’s end

Godchild, niece, cousin, associate, colleague, and friend, until thenHearts and thoughts are now occupied with scrolls of loving memories surreal

Mahogany bold, this deep rust velvet colour rose, Zell stood outOn the panicle of a thorn filled stem in daylight, she shone

Yes, there are blessings in thorns, but the roll is called up yonderAnd readiness for a life with Christ, is significantly for which believer’s striveZell commanded worthy attention as pastor’s wife and for doing God’s will

A daughter of Zion, family and flock, her work on earth is done and Zell now naps

Our dear Zell, like her siblings, were raised in the Word and Will of GodProcreators, parents we are the roots descendants’ existence and foundation

Imperfect as may be, we endure the challenge with love, care, prayers and tears

For life takes its toll, like now, when my heart bleeds with grief

Nothing can equate a mother’s loss and there can be no replica Zellima

She lit many lives, also mine with her beaming

smiles, spirited and godliness.

Nations in viral turmoil and populations shut down, whilst animals roam even is towns

Fright, cries, lies and soul’s demise is a worldwide reality and man is none the wise

But we have a saviour, redeemer, conqueror and king, whose will be done

Thus we celebrate Zell’s life and times with a salute to a tribute of love

Zellima’s sojourn, has carved a legacy of mission, love, joy and passion for soulsWith hope of Salvation, a crown and mansion, and an audible “Well done...”

Author: Aurora York McKay

SUNRISE: February 10, 1962 – Molineux St. Kitts, WISUNSET: May 1, 2020 – Atlanta, Georgia

Order of ServiceFRIDAY, May 15, 2020 – 1:00 p.m.

PROCESSIONAL: Pastoral Team and Family

CONGREGATION HYMNN° 633 “When We All Get to Heaven” – Elder Merkita Mosley

SCRIPTURE READINGOld Testament: Isaiah 46: 9,10; Isaiah 40: 26-31 – Pastor Howard Brown

New Testament: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 – Dr. Richard BerryNew Testament: 2 Timothy 4:7-8 – Sis. Eula Winston

OPENING PRAYERElder Moses Edwards

REFLECTIONSPamela Campbell / Charlene Smith – Close Friend

Tanisha Utley – CAU Colleague Charlene Berry – Church Member

Rosemary Allgood / Ruth Mendinghall – Mentor (Video)

SPECIAL MUSICAL SELECTION Gylchris Sprauve (Video)

PRAYER OF COMFORTElder Earl Howard, Jr.

CITY OF ATLANTA PROCLAMATIONElder William Winston

SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTEDr. Alex & Desiree Bryant – Executive Secretary, NAD

Dr. Ron & Yolonda Smith – President, SUCElder William Winston – President, SAC

Elder Calvin & Ruth Watkins – President, SWR

Celebrating Life and Legacy FIRST LADY

Zellima Joycelyn Howardef

SPECIAL MUSIC PRESENTATION Clark Atlanta University Choir (Video)

SPECIAL VIDEO TRIBUTESDr. George T. French, Jr. – President, Clark Atlanta University

Dr. Leslie & Prudence Pollard – President, Oakwood University Elder J. Alfred & Paula Johnson – Director, NAD Sabbath School

Sis. Sherri Uhrig – Director, NAD Children Ministries Elder James Black – Director, NAD Prayer Ministries

Wendy Bartley -President, SAC Clergy Spouses

FAMILY TRIBUTESDr. Ralph Peay – Minister of Marriage

Sisters / BrothersElder D.M. Jones, Family

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTSSis. Debra Fryson

OBITUARY/FAMILY VIDEOSis. Esther Brown/Kyle Scott

MUSICAL SELECTIONSis. Grace Landy

EULOGYPastor Dana Edmond

MUSICAL SELECTIONDamian Audain

MASTER GUIDE PRESENTATIONDr. Donovan Washington

INSTRUMENTAL Randy Regis

Willie Watkins Funeral Home, RECESSIONAL

Celebrating Life and Legacy FIRST LADY

Zellima Joycelyn Howardef

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Zellima Joycelyn Howard was born on February 10, 1962 on the island of St. Kitts, West Indies at 11:00 AM. Zellima was

the third daughter of Eliza Audain Williams and Letsom Dublin. Zell, as she was nicknamed by her parents and siblings, spent the early years of her life living on both the islands of St. Kitts, West Indies and St. Thomas, USVI.

Her early educational years occurred on both islands where she attended the Molineux Elementary School in St. Kitts, the Jane E. Tuitt Elementary School, Charlotte Amalie High school in the Virgin Islands. She attended the Wayne Aspinall Junior High School in St. Thomas followed by the Cayon High School in St. Kitts. Later, she attended the University of the Virgin Islands where she earned an Associate’s Degree in Business Administration. Soon after high school, Zellima married David Claxton Jr. They had three lovely children: David, Denisha, and Denzel. They imparted to their children the importance of having a strong Christian belief and living a life to support the belief in God. Zellima has always been committed to helping others; hence, choosing employment opportunities that allowed her to do so. Her first job was at the St. Thomas Hospital, then she moved on to work as an Administrative Assistant at the University of the Virgin Islands.

In 1993, Zellima relocated to Orlando, Florida where her second child, Denisha Zellima was born. Three years later, she accepted a position at the historic Spelman College; subsequently, relocating to Atlanta, Georgia. In 1997, Denzel Letsom was born in Atlanta, Georgia. Her professional career was primarily in higher education. At the University of the Virgin Islands and Spelman College, she worked faithfully towards impacting the lives of hundreds of students. Also, she started a very effective and successful summer computer training program for adults. At Clark Atlanta University, she worked as an Executive Administrative Specialist overseeing a multimillion-dollar budget and worked efficiently with several Vice Presidents and Deans of Student Services. Zellima took her job seriously and operated with professionalism and timeliness. She was proficient with computer skills, having received degrees from the University of the Virgin Islands, Clayton State University, and Oakwood University. She was the curator of budgets, developer of the wellness center, and orchestrator of many campus events.

“ A person’s most useful asset is not a head full of knowledge, but a heart full of love, an ear ready to listen and a hand willing to help others”

Author Unknown

ObituaryObituary

In addition to her academic accomplishments, Zellima enjoyed fashion apparel, cooking, entertaining and lending supportive assistance towards helping others. No matter where she lived or what she did, she continued these interests along with others for most of her adult life. Zellima believe that helping others was an important part of doing God’s work. She was also masterful in regulating her employment activities and her faithfulness to God; never compromising her faith to God and His Sabbath. She possessed such brilliance in her commitment to both.

Her faith in God was rooted in having a Christian home. The values she learned at an early age were continued throughout her life. The values she learned at an early age was exuberated throughout her life. Music was the melody of her heart. She loved singing hymns and gospel songs to bring in the Sabbath on a weekly basis. The core of her commitment was relational. The daily devotional time fortified her through difficult episodes throughout her life. She may have questioned people, but she never questioned God. Through the loss of loved ones, layoffs, family matters, parenting, and church relations, God was always her foundation and source of strength. She loved listening to WGOD FM radio from USVI and Elder Charles D. Brooks through the internet. A spiritual high peak was when she was able to have Elder Brooks bless Denisha as a baby in Orlando, Florida.

Zellima masked her physical pain in order to serve others. Her challenges did not prevent her from following through as a caregiver and mentor. As a Pathfinder Club Director and Master Guide, she established the first Pathfinder Club at the Frist Riverdale Seventh Day Adventist Church. She served as a fundraiser and organizer where she motivated others for the cause of mentoring young adults. In addition, Zellima was a Youth Ministries Leader at the Tri-City SDA Church where she took delegation of the youth to the United Youth Congress in St. Louis, Missouri.

On December 27, 2009, Zellima followed her heart and said yes to Darryl L. Howard’s marriage proposal. The holy union was witness in McDonough, Georgia at the Tri-City SDA Church. Together, they had five children: David III, Darryl Alex II, Denisha, Jordan, and Denzel. Each of their children had a Seventh Day Adventist Christian education. Her dream was for her granddaughter, Melody, to attend a Seventh Day Adventist school through college.

She had an enormous heart for the youth and young adults. Zellima was never too exhausted or bothered to assist the youth and collegiate students with practical advice or with finding resources to feed those who were in need. From the thousands of students who matriculated through Spelman and Clark Atlanta University to youth in every church she ministered with her Husband, Pastor Howard, her motto was “What does the Word say?” when it came to sharing counsel and inspiration. Her wisdom was a gift from God. She intended for her directives to be followed and absorbed into your fabric of life.

She relished the opportunity to create and provide care packages (enclosed with food, snacks, toiletries, and school supplies) to students going to colleges such as Oakwood University, Southern University, Southwest Adventist University, Savannah State University, Clark Atlanta University, Spelman College, and Morehouse College.

As a member of the Clergy Spouse organization, she worked on various projects such as little Washington (GA) city-wide back to school event that attracted Sis. Donna Jackson, wife of the President of North American Division and Sis. Yolanda Smith, wife of President of Southern Union Conference. She annually gave and participated in the organization community projects like the Boy’s and Girl’s home in Orangeburg, South Carolina.

Couponing was another passion for Zellima. She taught couponing classes for the group and the South Atlantic Conference. She loved couponing and teaching others how to save funds. It was her ministry of stewardship and witnessing.

While serving with her husband at New Jerusalem and First Newnan, she created and organized many church activities. Some of the many included the youth choir, a summer youth camp, first-class banquet in Newnan, young adults’ weddings, Praise in the Park outdoor event, and various block parties for several communities some of which included Georgia (Atlanta, Riverdale, Douglasville, Stockbridge, Griffin, and Newnan) and North Carolina (Whiteville and Council). In Whiteville, North Carolina, Zellima worked with Principal Karen Taylor and the Carolina Adventist Academy and the Community Wellness program that helped the city of Whiteville become healthier. This six-month ministry culminated with a cruise to the Bahamas. Zellima worked with Charlene Berry on the annual back to school mega event helping many

students prepare for the new academic year. She cofounded the Church in a Barrel Ministries which shipped new and recyclable church and education materials to churches domestic and international. She traveled extensively with her husband with their last international trip to Cancun, Mexico in February 2020.

Through her love for cooking and with her entrepreneurial skills and gifts, she started SLH Event Inc. and cofounded CS catering and event planning. She also helped her brother, Verne, created his first cookbook. Furthermore, she taught her husband and children the art of cooking food that was tasteful, delightful, and had the proper presentation. In so many ways, her joy of service was represented throughout her life.

Her greatest love was for her children. She and her husband prayed every morning and evening for their five children, two extended children (Troy and Stephanie), one daughter-in-law, and three grandchildren. The immediate family appreciated that Zellima was strong-willed and spoke her mind with frequency and clarity. Her strong will was tempered with love, grace, and acts of kindness.

For her life achievements, Zellima received the Clark Atlanta University Distinguished Service Award (2004, 2015), The Shiloh SDA Church Music Award (USVI), and the Praise Tabernacle SDA Church Crystal Award (2016); South Atlantic Conference Pathfinder Leadership Award (2001, 2005); and graduated with honors from Oakwood University (2017).

On Friday May 1, 2020, Zellima Joycelyn Howard fell asleep and is awaiting the voice of the Life giver to welcome her home. She was preceded in death by her father, Letsom Dublin, and brother, Dennis Garvey. She leaves to mourn this temporary separation: Her Loving Husband, Pastor Darryl Howard; Children: David III (Monique), Denisha and Denzel Claxton, Darryl Alex II and Jordan Howard; Stepfather: Robert Williams; Sisters: Ingrid Williams, Angelique Thorpe (Carl), Doreen Smith (Ken), Curliss Subratee (Nazir), Cheryl Peets, Irma Sutton, Patricia Dublin-Lewis, Pamela Garvey, Joycelyn Dublin, and Carla; Brothers: Eric and Verne Williams, Alcon Demming, Letsom Jr., Leslie, Trevor Dublin, Eustace Garvey, Dave Browne, Fitzroy Shoy. And a host of other relatives, close friends such as Pam, Merlyn, Bernice, Rosemary, Dorothy, Mary, Veron, Charlene, Shelia, and other close friends and co-workers at Clark Atlanta University and fellow believers in the Seventh Day Adventist Church.

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May 15, 2020

To: Elder Darryl Howard The family of Sister Zellima Jocelyn Howard

Greetings and Blessings to each of you.

Two weeks is hardly enough time for those of us who are close friends and co-workers of our Sister Zellima to wrap our minds around the reality that she is sleeping in Jesus, awaiting the sound of the Trumpet. If it is this difficult for us, we can only imagine what it must be like for you.

Our hope in Christ Jesus tempers the grief that we feel. His sustaining Grace brightens each new tomorrow with the assurance that there is indeed a land where there is no sorrow.

We will remember Zellima as one who was considerate and approachable, a lady who possessed a smile that disarmed even the gruffest disposition with gentle ease. I fully expect that there will be souls in the kingdom who were won to Christ by her ministry of kindness.

Please know that Eula and I, and your South Atlantic Conference family, will continue to lift each of you in prayer over the coming months. “Be of good courage,” Jesus said, “I have overcome the world.” Know that His promises are sure.

I ask God, in His special way, in His own time, to heal you completely and thoroughly, leaving behind only that which makes you smile.

Sincerely,

Elder William L. Winston

May 12, 2020

To: Pastor Darryl Howard and Members of the Extended Family

Words are never adequate to express the level of love, support, and compassion to ease the pain of the grief-stricken in moments like these. However, we have the assurance that God understands what you are experiencing and has made provision for your comfort and peace. As each of you passes through the shock, anger, bargaining with God, and periods of deep sadness, my prayers will continually ascend for the resolution of your grief.

The Southern Union of Seventh-day Adventists will pray for your peace and comfort until Sister Zellima Howard and the rest of us respond to the call of the Life Giver.

Sincerely,

RRoonn CC.. SSmmiitthh

Ron C. Smith, D.Min., Ph.D. President, Southern Union of Seventh-day Adventists

Elder Darryl Howard 2305 Fairwood CircleJonesboro, GA 30236

May 11, 2020

Dear Darryl,

I was deeply saddened when I heard of the passing of your dear wife, Zellima. On behalf of my wife, myself and the entire North American Division Family, I want to express my sincerest condolences to you and the family. This loss reminds us in a demonstrative way of the fragility of life. We cannot imagine the tremendous sense of loss you must feel. Indeed, we must say, “a princess of the King has fallen.” She was not only a faithful wife but indeed a stalwart co-laborer with you in ministry. The seeds she has planted through the many lives she has touched will continue to grow and blossom in the years and decades to come and throughout eternity.

Human words fall short and seem so inadequate in times like these. You have been a mighty warrior of God going back to our days at Oakwood; then as a pastor, as a youth director and as a mentor to young men and women. The God that you have served these many years will be your strength in this hour of sorrow. He reminds us that “Weeping may endure for a night but joy cometh in the morning.” He also says, “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions if it were not so I would have told you. I go and prepare a place for you and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you unto myself that where I am there you shall be also.”

May God continue to be your strength from day-to-day and provide you with an incredible sense of His constant presence until that day when “He that shall come, will come, and will not tarry;” “God shall wipe away all tears from your eyes and there shall be no more death nor sorrow nor crying.” Let us continue to be faithful until then!

With heartfelt sympathy,

G. Alexander BryantNorth American Division Secretary