Jennifer Howard, 51, passed away on Sunday, June 28, 2026, at Cape Fear Valley Hospital in Fayetteville.

A Homegoing Service will be held at 1pm on Thursday July 2, 2026 at Mingle Hill Disciples Church of Christ, 100 Zoar Church Road, Salmeburg NC 28385. Burial will follow the service at the Howard Cemetery, Salemburg NC.

A Walk Through will be held from 2pm-5pm on Wednesday July 1, 2026 within Hope Valley Hawkins Funeral Chapel, 1246 Hobbton Hwy, Clinton NC 28328.

Jennifer Howard, lovingly known as “Jenni Byrd” by her father, was born on August 23, 1974, to Jimmie and Betty Williams. Jennifer lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, and service to others, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew and loved her.

Jennifer attended Sampson County Schools and graduated from Lakewood High School in 1992. She continued her education at Sampson Community College and became a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Jennifer devoted many years of her life to caring for others through her work and naturally lived a life of service. She later enlisted in the United States Army, where she proudly served until being medically discharged.

Jennifer was a faithful and devoted member of Mingle Hill Disciples of Christ Church, where she faithfully served as Church Secretary until her health declined. Her dedication to her church and her faith was evident in the love and commitment she gave to her church family.

Jennifer was preceded in death by her paternal grandparents, Handy and Zadie Williams, and her maternal grandfather, Charlie Mack.

Jennifer leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving husband, James “Arnette” Howard; her two sons, Jaquan (Dina) Williams of Salemburg and Demetris (Jordynn) Howard; her parents, Jimmie and Betty Williams; her brother, Jeremy (Monique) Williams; her grandsons, Elijah and Kaleb Williams; her granddaughter, Jensynn Howard; her goddaughter, KhaLeah; her maternal grandmother, Geneva Mack; her nieces, Jasmine, Janea, and KoMauri; her nephews, Jeremiah, Jeremy Jr., and Jordan; and a host of extended family members and dear friends.

Jennifer also leaves behind two honorary sons, BJ Johnson (Kayley and Silas) and Alex Thompson; as well as her in-laws: James and Ellen Moore. Though not bound by blood, they were family by love, and each held a special place in her heart.

Jennifer’s kindness, strength, unwavering faith, and love for others will forever be remembered and treasured by all who had the blessing of knowing her.

May her memory live on in the hearts of those she loved and who loved her in return.

Hope Valley Hawkins is honored to serve the family of Jennifer Howard.