Life & Legacy of Jocelyn White Howard

Jocelyn , also known as "Mom, Forty-Grand, Peaches, Warden and Coach" returned to her Heavenly Father on May 17, 2024.  Jocelyn was born on June 5, 1938, in Newport News, Va. to the late Sherman Sr. and Lonniell White.  Jocelyn was the baby girl of 10 children and is survived by one sister Ruth Williams of Hpt.  Preceded in death by the following siblings: Violet Gray, Lilly Franklin, Elizabeth White, Josephine White, Martha Blount, Sherman White Jr, Lonniell White, Theodore White Sr. and one Grandson Shawn Jr.

As a child Jocelyn lived a good full life of laughter and smiles. Jocelyn accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at a young age at Antioch Baptist Church.  Jocelyn later graduated from Huntington High School, where she met the love of her life Harry Howard May 1956.  She later married Harry on June 4,1960 which was the beginning of 63 years of love.  They began residing in Hampton, Va., not long after they welcomed their only child Shawn.  Jocelyn Graduated from Norfolk State University in 1963 with a degree in Secretarial Science.  Jocelyn accepted a position in the Admissions Department at Norfolk State University.  She later retired, with 40 years of service.  While working at Norfolk State University, Jocelyn's love for sports took her to many basketball, football games and events with her friends and co-workers. She was a mentor and a mother figure to many of the athletes.  You would always hear her "cheering" and "coaching" from the stands. Because of this, she gained a reputation by the basketball and football coaches as "Coach Howard".  Her slogan was "Behold the Green and Gold".  Upon retirement for several years, Jocelyn served as the church clerk, trustee and bookkeeper at Antioch Baptist Church.  Jocelyn would always lend a helping hand to her family, friends and those in need.  Those that knew her know she loved to bless people with her famous pound cake or strawberry pie.

She is survived by her husband Harry Howard, her beloved son Shawn (Rosalita), 7 Grandchildren: Cinclair (TreAsia), Rashad (Ashanta), Thomas, Dwayne, Keseana and Kimbria. 12 Great Grandchildren; Ayiona, Zion, Jayliah, Amoni, Cinclair Jr., Jayce, Kamden, Rashad Jr. Kai, Cassianna, Mikyah and Alora.  She "LOVED" all of "HER" children.  She would always say "I never thought that I would have so many children".  In addition, close family friends; Gracie "Pooh" (Keith) Rascoe and Monica (Tony) Maize.  The love she had for ALL her family and friends was amazing.

Jocelyn will be deeply missed, and her memory will last in our hearts forever.

Viewing will be held from 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Thursday, May 30, 2024 at Cooke Bros. Funeral Chapel.  A Celebration of Life service will be held 11:00 a.m. Friday, May 31, 2024 at First Baptist Church East End.