Doris Jean Howard, 83

Doris Jean Howard, 83, of Stafford County, passed away Tuesday, Sept. 16 at Mary Washington Hospital.

Thankful for another day of life, but feeling weak and tired by her 83-year journey, our family’s beloved matriarch had courageously overcome many obstacles these last five years. With loving family hand-in-hand she passed away peacefully and a new journey has begun.

Born Dec. 30, 1930, in Scranton, Pennsylvania, she was the daughter of the late Delbert and Bernice Evans.

She is survived by her brother, Bob Evans (Lil); two sons Gregory Howard (Janet), William Howard (Natalie); and one daughter Marjorie Mankin (Charlie); her former husband, Gilbert Howard; grandchildren Gregory Howard (Carrie), Christine Howard, Billy Howard (Angie), Shelly Ballard, Bobbie, Sue Bishop (Sam), Cassie Howard and Charles Mankin (Dorise); 15 great-grandchildren; one niece and four nephews.

A service and interment will be private at a later date.