Grendel A. Howard

Grendel Alice Howard (affectionately known as Tuncie), age 85, died peacefully, surrounded by loving family, on July 7, 2018, in Chesapeake, Virginia. Grendel is survived by her son Jason T. Howard of Jacksonville, NC; her sister Avon Howard Stukes of Ahoskie, NC; her grandson Jashon M. Howard of Ahoskie, NC; her granddaughter Alia J. Howard of Jacksonville, NC; 4 great-grand children, Ja'Niyah Ariel Howard, Jassan Mileak Howard, Ja'khila Unique Howard, and Ashad Zion Howard and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was predeceased by her parents, Rhoda and Gurney Howard, 6 siblings; Robert, Bernard, Thaddeus, Wallace, Margaret and Georgia. Grendel was born on February 4, 1933 in Ahoskie NC to parents Rhoda Collins Howard and Gurney Howard. She graduated from Robert L. Vann High School in Ahoskie in 1950. She attended Elizabeth City University and the University of Colorado in Boulder. She retired from the Army in May 1985, as a highly decorated Sergeant Major. During her Army career, she served as Senior Editor of SOLDIERS magazine, and photographer/journalist for Stars and Stripes Army newspaper. She served three tours of duty in Viet Nam, in addition to numerous duty stations worldwide. Grendel felt she came from humble beginnings but was a shining example of how anything is possible with hard work and determination. In addition to her military success, she was featured in Ebony magazine and the book Viewfinders Black Women Photographers in articles that touted her success as a single mother and photographer/journalist. She and her son Jason traveled extensively over the years. They spent time playing basketball, bowling and visiting various relatives and friends. Grendel and her extended military family held true to the "it takes a village" mentality when it came to raising Jason. She was always grateful that they have continued to keep in touch throughout the years. Their frequent visits and phone calls were definitely a source of joy and entertainment for her, which contributed to her longevity. The family would like to thank anyone who visited or called to make her home “a little slice of heaven”. Special acknowledgments to those who helped her to reach the Golden Gates with the same dignity and uprightness she exemplified throughout her life. Life is short but long enough if you live it right—and that she did.

Grendel A. Howard

February 4, 1933 - July 7, 2018