Lila M. (Cooper) Howard

Lila M. Howard, 75, of Wilkes Barre, died at home on Thursday morning, May 13, 2010. Born in Oxford N.C., on March 19, 1935, she was a daughter of the late Minnie P. and William T. Cooper. She moved with her family to Wilkes-Barre as a teenager. She was a 1952 graduate of GAR High School. For several years, she was employed by the RCA corporation. She later operated a successful flower shop, Lila's Flowers, out of her home until she retired. She was a dedicated homemaker, mother and wife, marrying her husband, Darnell R. Howard, on July 6, 1957. She will always be remembered for her generosity, spirituality, and compassion for others. Her extended family, friends and colleagues will miss her greatly. She was a former member of the Bethel A.M.E. Church, and she was an active member of the Albright United Methodist Church. In addition to her husband, Darnell, of 52 years, she is survived by a son, Eric D. and his wife Nancy Howard, of Rutland, Mass., two sisters, Edna I. Daniel, of Oxford N.C., and Minnie E. Walker, of Hyattsville, MD; a brother, Aubrey Cooper, of Marlboro MD, several aunts and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on Monday morning at 10 AM from the Albright United Methodist Church, 111 Dana St. Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend Anthony Brima will officiate. Family and friends may call from 5-7 Sunday evening from the Kniffen O'Malley Funeral Home, Inc., 465 S. Main St., Wilkes-Barre, PA and on Monday morning at the church from 9:30 until time of service. Interment will be in the Oak Lawn Cemetery.