Gussie (Patrick) Howard

Gussie Mary Elizabeth Patrick Howard (affectionately known as Bootney) was born on October 27th, 1923 in Bolingbroke, Georgia from the union of Henrietta and Augustus Patrick. Mrs. Gussie started her Christian Journey at an early age by becoming a member of New Hope Missionary Baptist Church in Macon Georgia. Because Mrs. Gussie’s mother died when she was only 16, she was raised by her maternal Aunt and Uncle Clara and Mark Frazier of Macon, Georgia affectionately known as “Big Mama and Big Daddy”.   

Mrs. Gussie graduated from Ballard High School in Macon, Georgia, with the Class of 1940. After completing high school, she continued her education at Georgia Baptist College in Macon, Georgia and Brewton-Parker College in Mt. Vernon, Georgia.

Throughout her life, she was dedicated to teaching and inspiring children of all ages. She was a versatile, talented and soulful Musician, choir director and soloist. Mrs. Gussie played piano and served as the principal musician at the following area churches, Third Chapel Baptist Church, Love Hill Baptist Church, Robertson Grove Baptist Church and Pine Hill Baptist Church of Midville, Georgia. She also played at St. Phillip Baptist Church and Trinity Baptist Church of Swainsboro, Georgia. Mrs. Gussie taught and trained hundreds of young piano students. She was famous for providing technical piano training while at the same time offering practical words of wisdom for every pupil. In an effort to provide wholesome and meaningful summer activities for teenagers and young adults, she organized the Sutherland Angelic Gospel Choir. This choir performed in the Burke/Emanuel County area for years.  

Mrs. Gussie absolutely loved Gospel Music some of her favorite songs were “May The Work I’ve Done Speak for Me”, “Christ is all,” and “The Blood.” There is no doubt that right now in Heaven she is trying to get her favorite Gospel artist, James Cleveland to sing a verse or two!

Mrs. Gussie was employed for many years at Swainsboro Elementary School and S.R Dinkins Elementary School in Midville, Georgia as a Paraprofessional and School Musician. Even though she loved working with Young People in the school system, one of her favorite jobs was wrapping gifts at BC Moore’s and Son every Christmas Season. 

Mrs. Gussie was a most valued and trusted Pillar of the Emmanuel County Community. She has spent countless hours counseling and helping young people to achieve their personal and professional goals. Ms. Gussie was a member of The Trinity Baptist Church and an active member of the Ladies Progressive club.

Mrs. Gussie married her Sweetheart Mr. Paul Lawrence Howard, Sr. March 15, 1947. Gussie and Paul went on to produced seven wonderful Children. One of Gussie’s and Paul’s favorite thing to do was dancing. As a matter of fact, the first time that they met was on the dance floor!

Mrs. Gussie Mary Elizabeth Patrick Howard lived for 97 wonderful years and we are here to celebrate her outstanding life. We her children, grandchildren, and her great grandchildren will never forget all our beautiful moments together. Her death has created a void that only God can fill. Mama was all encompassing in our lives. Her beautiful smile and loving demeanor will be sorely missed.  We thank God for allowing us to have one of His angels here, on earth with us for so many years.

Mrs. Gussie was preceded in death by her Husband Paul Howard Sr., her Sweet Daughter Cherlyn Paulann (Cupie) and her grandson David Smith.

Surviving family members include: Six Loving Children, Augustus George Howard of Riverdale, GA, Paul Lawrence Howard Jr, (Petrina) Of Atlanta, GA, Mark Patrick Howard of Swainsboro, GA, Dwight David Howard (Cheryl) of Fairburn, GA, Jacqueline Ruth Howard of Riverdale, GA, and Matthew Derrick Howard of Swainsboro, GA. Mrs. Gussie also leaves to cherish her memory 10 grandchildren, 18 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and other loved ones. 

Mrs. Gussie died peacefully in her own bed in the early morning hours of February 15 in the presence of her constant care giver, friend and son Matthew Derrick (Pig) Howard. Matthew Howard, our family Salutes you. Thank you for being a good and faithful servant!

We love you Mrs. Gussie Mary Elizabeth Patrick Howard!

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