Bobbie Jean Howard

DURHAM, NC - In loving memory of Bobbie Jean Browning Howard, 98, of Durham, NC passed into the arms of her LORD Jesus on Saturday, October 31, 2026. Bobbie was born to Thomas Nelson Browning Jr and Maxie Browning on October 24, 1928, in London, KY. She was educated in Kentucky and wanted to be a social worker. She later married her husband, Orah " Frank" Howard Jr and she celebrated over 52 years as a devoted wife. Bobbie was a long-time resident of Durham NC where she worked and retired from Duke University in the bookstore. She has been an accomplished bowler and enjoyed boating; however, she never learned to swim. She truly enjoyed traveling and visited 49 of the 50 states. Bobbie enjoyed walking, reading, spending time in her yard and visiting with friends. She was a generous and faithful member of Gray Stone church of Durham and Sunday school member. Bobbie was survived by and a loving and close mother to her three children, Carla Hall and Eddie of Durham, Kyle and Melissa Howard of Alamance Co, and Todd Howard of Durham. Bobbie is also survived by her brother, Donald C. Browning of Tampa, FL. She was blessed with 6 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. Her heart was kind and generous as a faithful supporter of many civic organizations locally and worldwide. Bobbie is preceded in death by her parents, brother, Russell Browning and sister Wilma Browning Mitchell, as well as her husband, Frank. Bobbie will be forever loved and deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Her legacy will live on through her family and the many lives she touched. Flowers are welcome or contributions in Bobbie's memory may be made to the Durham Rescue Mission, Salvation Army, and St. Jude Childrens's hospital.