Gerald and Nancy Howarth

Gerald Howarth, 82 and Nancy Elaine Howarth, 78, of North Charleston, South Carolina both entered into eternal rest Monday, March 25, 2024. Their Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, April 13, 2024 at Hillcrest Baptist Church at 11am; visitation will be one hour prior.

Gerald was born August 19, 1941 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, son of the late Joseph Howath and the late Helen “Hazel” Affarde Howath. Nancy was born December 3, 1945 in White Oak, West Virginia, daughter of the late Lacy Floyd Mills and the late Maude Elizabeth Haydon Mills. 

They are both survived by daughters: Jerrilyn Marie Howarth Ishee (Thomas) of Naples, Italy and Dorrice Susanne Howarth Cox (George) of Hanahan, SC; grandchildren: Audrey Cordelia Ishee (Ben Thornton), Alivia Claire Ishee, Rachel Susanne Cox Pfeffer (James), Nathan Mills Cox (Ashlea) and Daniel Haydon Cox; sister of Gerald: Mary Jasmund of Federal Way, WA and sisters of Nancy: Mary Ellen Trail of Lebanon, VA, Inez Louise Ewing of Eagle Rock, VA, Margaret Susan "Susie" Huffman of Shady Spring, WV; and many loved nieces, nephews, and relatives. In addition to their parents, they were preceded in death by son: Eric Lance Howarth; grandson: Aaron Robert Ishee; Gerald's siblings: Joseph Howath, Annette Hulse and Eunice Malatin; and Nancy's siblings: Ruth Ann Haynes, Robert Elmer Mills and Martha Carol Abshire.

Gerald lost his parents at a young age and was lovingly raised by his eldest sister, Mary. Upon high school graduation from West Scranton High School, Gerald entered the Navy. His naval career began in aviation and transitioned to the submarine service. Over his 22 year career, he served on 3 submarines with 13 strategic deterrent patrols, retiring from Naval Service as a Senior Chief Petty Officer in Charleston, SC. Gerald enjoyed his two years working in the Physics Department at the Citadel starting a second career at the Charleston Navy Shipyard. Upon full retirement, Gerald continued to serve as a dedicated deacon at Hillcrest Baptist Church and Northwood Baptist Church. Gerald had many hobbies and interests. His talent for painting led to an inspiring chalk art ministry and many watercolors he gifted to family and friends. Fishing, shrimping, gardening, and cooking were lifelong hobbies that bore fruits which blessed many. 

Nancy was born into a West Virginia coal mining family as the 5th of 7 children. She grew up experiencing a rich farm life. After graduating from Shady Spring High School, Nancy ventured out to Roanoke, VA with a scholarship to Clairol Beauty School and began a career in hairdressing. It was not long before she was introduced to a young sailor named Jerry on a blind date. Shortly thereafter, she left behind her career for a life as a Navy wife. Her commitment to raising three young children while managing multiple moves to various ports allowed her to bless her family with the many creative and practical skills she learned throughout her life. Making clothes and costumes for school and Scouting events, creating beautiful cakes for birthdays, and fixing just about anything while her husband was out at sea are just a few of the many talents Nancy possessed. She volunteered at AC Corcoran Elementary School and began working in the school cafeteria, retiring as the Cafeteria Manager at Midland Park Elementary School. Nancy was passionate about taking care of those around her and lovingly anticipated and tended to their needs. Nancy enjoyed antiquing, reading, propagating plants, maintaining beautiful flowers in her garden and sitting out in the sunshine. 

One of the greatest aspects of retired life for Jerry and Nancy was to enjoy watching Jeopardy, solving crimes on NCIS, and, especially for Jerry, cheering on the Carolina Lady Gamecocks. They loved spending time with their grandkids, who have very fond memories of Papa’s and Grandma’s nicknames for them, “Naughty Nancy” stories from her childhood, cooking lessons with Grandma, fishing with Papa and singing louder than the thunder storms of the South. They loved those they knew well and were well loved by many close friends and neighbors, who, along with their family, will miss them dearly.

Memorials may be made to Agape Hospice 2680 Elms Plantation Blvd Ste 101, North Charleston, SC 29406. 

Arrangements by J. Henry Stuhr, Inc. Northwoods Chapel.