Gloria Parks Howard, 88, of Salisbury, died Wednesday, October 12, 2022 at TidalHealth Peninsula Regional.

Born on Tangier Island, VA on December 19, 1933, she was the daughter of the late Melvin and Polly Chambers Parks.  Her husband, Jimmie Lee Howard, preceded her in death on December 5, 2015.

A graduate of Salisbury State Teachers College, she started her career in education as a Home Economics teacher at Crisfield High School then continued at the newly founded Head Start Program.  She was a talented, award winning seamstress and following her teaching career worked at the former Hess Apparel where she later retired as the head of the alterations department for all Hess Apparel stores.  After her retirement from Hess Apparel she was the National President of the Marine Corp League Auxiliary.

She loved helping people and was very active in the Toys for Tots program.  In addition to sewing, she enjoyed time with her friends at aerobics and Bridge Club.  She was a member of the Crisfield First Baptist Church.

She is survived by three children, J.L. Howard and wife Kathleen of Westover, Terri Lee Howard of Hebron, and Brad Lee Howard of Gastonia, NC; a brother, Edward Parks and wife Charlotte of Tangier; grandchildren, Jimmie Lee "Jay" Howard, III, Clay Nelson Howard, Jason Brent Pryor, Krista Robley, and Michael Taylor; great-grandchildren, Jimmie Lee "Jake" Howard, IV and wife Erin, Logan Howard, Shane Howard, Trevor Howard, Cassady Pryor, Madison Pryor, Easton Brent Pryor, Elizabeth Robley, Grant Robley, and Samantha Cotter; great-great-grandchildren, Liam Howard, Ella Howard, and Maverick Cotter; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with her parents and her husband, she was preceded in death by a granddaughter, Kelli Lee Pryor in 2016.

A celebration of her life will be held in the spring on Saturday, June 10, 2023 at 2 PM at the home of her son, J.L. Howard, 30416 Perry Road, Westover, MD 21871.  Her son, Parson Brad Lee Howard will officiate.  Urn interment will be private in Sunnyridge Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Coastal Hospice, P.O. Box 1733, Salisbury, MD 21802-1733.