Marianna (Gates) Howard

Mrs. Marianna Gates Howard, 96, went home to be with the Lord September 4, 2025 at her home in Winston-Salem, NC. She was born March 12, 1929 in Jamesport, MO to the late William David and Esta Foster Gates.

Marianna graduated from Mercer High School in Mercer, MO and Bob Jones University, in Greenville, SC receiving a B.S. in Home Economics and Biology. Her life was given in ministry to her husband and family and as a pastor's wife for 30 years. She faithfully taught the women's Sunday School class and served on the hospitality committee at church.

She taught high school home economics and biology for 18 years. Marianna mentored young women by sharing her love of cooking, recipes, and entertaining in her home as well as Biblical counseling. Upon retirement from teaching, she published a cookbook with her favorite recipes. Her other interests were gardening, traveling, and reading.

She was a member of Vernon Forest Baptist Church.

Survivors include daughter Lorie Howard of Winston-Salem; grandson Justin Andersen, and his wife Jenny of Demorest, GA; great-grandchildren Harper, Liam, and Everly; nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband of 61 years Rev. Don Howard; daughter Deborah Ann Andersen; granddaughter Krista Joy; brother Roy Gates; sister Eva Cox.

A private graveside service will be held at Parklawn Memorial Gardens, Tuesday, September 9, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Vernon Forest Baptist Church. J. C. Green and Sons of Winston-Salem are in charge of funeral arrangements. Online condolences may be sent to the Howard family at www.jcgreenandsons.com.

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