Gloria Noisette Howard, a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, peacefully entered eternal rest on Thursday, July 30, 2026, at the age of 100, with her children at her bedside.

Gloria was born on May 7, 1926, in Summerville, South Carolina, to the late Joseph Edward Noisette Sr. and Louise Nichols Noisette.

She attended Dorchester County schools and graduated from Alston High School, where she was a talented basketball player. Following graduation, Gloria moved to New York, where she was employed as a civilian employee for the military. Upon returning to South Carolina, she worked at Middleton Gardens before pursuing a career in healthcare.

Gloria married the love of her life, Joseph Rudolph Howard, in 1947. Together they were blessed with three children: Brenda, Helen, and Joseph "Rudy" Howard.

She earned her Practical Nursing Certificate from Lincoln Institute and devoted her life to caring for others. For many years, Gloria worked as a private-duty caretaker in homes throughout Summerville. Later, she joined the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs, where she faithfully served until her retirement as a Unit Supervisor.

Gloria had a gift for making a house feel like a home. She was an avid crocheter who loved gardening, decorating, entertaining family and friends, and, above all, nurturing those she loved. She was a faithful and longtime member of Bethel A.M.E. Church, where she served on the Usher Board and sang in the church choir.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Rudolph Howard Sr.; her daughter, Brenda L. Howard; her parents, Joseph Edward Noisette Sr. and Louise Nichols Noisette; and her siblings, Gladys Washington, Joseph E. Noisette Jr., Rev. Ruffin N. Noisette, Lurline Noisette, Helen B. Noisette, and Bettye J. Noisette.

Gloria leaves to cherish her memory, her loving and devoted daughter, Helen H. Porter of Summerville, South Carolina; her loving and devoted son, Joseph R. Howard Jr. ("Rudy") of Summerville, South Carolina; her three granddaughters, Yvonne D. Howard of North Carolina, Jozette White (Francis) of Tennessee, and Nichole Valentine (DeMarcus) of North Carolina; her six beloved great-grandchildren, Camryn White, Nyles Howard, Brendyn White, Ian Howard, Norah Valentine, and DeMarcus Valentine III; her unofficial adopted daughter, Marie Duggins McMichael; her goddaughter, Marlene Duggins Lee; Alma Scott Gadson, a loving and devoted friend and prayer warrior; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and friends.

Gloria's kindness, joyful spirit, unwavering faith, and unconditional love for her family touched countless lives. Her legacy of compassion, strength, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

*Photographed taken at Mrs. Gloria Howard birthday celebration.