• Rinehart & Sons
Alta Lee Patch Howard
Jesup—Alta Lee Patch Howard, 94, of Jesup died Dec. 23, 2024, under the care of Hospice of South Georgia.
She was a longtime member of First Baptist Church and served in a number of positions, including Sunday school teacher and director of WMU.
Born in Decatur on Aug. 16, 1930, she moved with her family to Moultrie at the beginning of World War II. After graduating high school, she attended Agnes Scott College and later the University of Georgia, where she was a member of the Phi Mu Sorority. After obtaining a degree in education, she taught school in Druid Hills before moving to Jesup. She also taught school in Wayne County for a number of years before leaving to rear her family.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Hubert H. Howard Sr.; her parents, Jewel Head Patch and Wesley H. Patch; and a sister, Juanita McLendon.
Survivors include three sons, Lawton (Michelle) Howard of St. Simons Island, Hubert H. Howard Jr. of Ludowici and T. Lee Howard of Jesup; grandchildren, Hamilton Howard and Lauren Johnson; great-grandchildren, Alexander Howard, Makayla Johnson and Austin Johnson; and a sister, Joyce Barber of Moultrie.
Funeral services were held Dec. 29 at First Baptist Church with Pastor Brooks Haddock officiating. Active pallbearers were former members of the young couple’s class Alan Jones, Billy Cowart, Harley Grove, Greg Grantham, Allen Reddish and Randy Franks. Interment followed in the Jesup City Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church, 185 S. Brunswick Street, Jesup, GA 31546.
Rinehart and Sons Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.