Mildred Stafford Howes
April 2, 1926- September 5, 2021
Mildred Stafford Howes, 95, of Dunkirk passed away peacefully at her home on RiverLand Farm, September 5, 2021.
She attended Prince Frederick Elementary School and graduated from Calvert High School, Class of 1943. She then attended and graduated from Baltimore Business College. She was hired and remained employed at Aberdeen Proving Ground until the war was almost over at which time, she put in a transfer to U.S.N.M.T. Station in Solomons to be closer to home. She was then employed as a Secretary to the Commander.
Mildred met her future husband, Charles Thomas Howes, Sr. on a blind date arranged by friends from Smithville UM Church. They were later married on October 11, 1947 at Wesley Methodist Church in Prince Frederick after Charles returned home from serving 3 years active duty in the Army. They rented a house in Prince Frederick from her brother while their home was being built on the Howes Family Farm, now known as RiverLand Farm.
Family was the most important thing in Mildred’s life. She enjoyed spending time with the family and playing with her “precious gems”. She loved cooking, working in her flower garden, playing cards, dancing and making new friends.
Mildred became a member of Smithville United Methodist Church after moving to Dunkirk. She served as a Secretary of the UMW and was the oldest living member, worked with Vacation Bible School, and was treasurer of the church and Sunday School for several years. She was a lifetime member of the VFW Auxiliary and also a member of the original Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department “Dunkirk Fund Raising” ladies auxiliary which started in 1981 and served as their first secretary.
Mildred is survived by her children, Charles T. Howes, Jr. (Susan), Marlena Lopez (Rick), Kathie Sealey (Marty) and James Melvin Howes all of Dunkirk. She is also survived by six grandchildren, Charles Thomas Howes, III (Heather) of Dunkirk, Carolyn Howes of North Carolina, Toby Sealey (Kristin) of Huntingtown, Cory Sealey of New York, Jody Sealey (Nicole) of Huntingtown and Albert Lopez (fiancé Brittany) of Florida, fourteen great-grandchildren and one on the way; Christopher Howes, Justin Howes, Jacob Howes, Shelby Howes, Gabby Howes, Leyna Vallejos, Silas Vallejos and Halle Vallejos, Alyssa Sealey, Blake Sealey, Jace Cameron Sealey, Abigail Sealey, Jameson Sealey and Jaxson Sealey.
Mildred was preceded in death by her husband of 41 years, Charles T. Howes, Sr. her parents; Louis and Lena Stafford and stepmother Bessie Carroll Stafford, brother Melvin Stafford, and son, Baby Boy Howes.
Pallbearers for Mildred will be her six grandchildren.
Thank you to Calvert Hospice for providing support and services during mom’s transition; a special thanks to her personal caregivers, Heather, Anna, Kaz (lil momma), Marilyn, Catrina, Weasy, and Vesta.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Smithville United Methodist Church, Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department or Calvert Hospice.
The visitation and service will be held at Smithville United Methodist Church. Masks will be required while in the church.
Visitation
Friday, September 10, 2021
10:30 AM – 12 Noon
Services
- Funeral Service
Friday, September 10, 2021
12 Noon
Interment
- Private
Contributions
Condolences
Sort Comments
6 Sep 2021
5:09pm
Kathy and Family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. May you and your family find peace at this time. God bless you all.
Frankie
City
Fuquay Varina
State
NC
7 Sep 2021
5:56pm
What fond memories I have of Mrs. Howes growing up in the community, the love of her family, and her church family. Losing a loved one is never easy and we need to continue to share her memory. Every time I pass through Dunkirk, I will be thinking of her. Love, Debbie
City
Fredericksburg
State
VA
7 Sep 2021
6:03pm
So sorry to hear this news about my dear friend Mildred. She was a big part of my life for many years. We laughed a lot and cried a lot.I retired about 3 years ago and have been home trying not to get covid ever since. Not many days went by that I didn’t think of her and wish I could call her just to let her know I missed her. She hated the phone so calling wasn’t an option. Mildred was a presence in this world and she will be missed by so many people whos lives she touched. I will treasure her friendship forever. I sure pray that there is somebody in heaven that can do her hair…if not there will be “hell’ to pay. Rest in peace dear Mildred.
Love,
Joy
City
North Beach
State
Md.
7 Sep 2021
6:57pm
I’m so sorry to hear of Mildred’s passing. She was such a sweet, loving person. My heart goes out to the family.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
8 Sep 2021
12:22pm
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Matriarch.
May she rest in peace and soar high with the Angels.
May the Lord help you during this difficult time
and treasure the numerous memories that you made.
City
Chesapeake Beach
State
MD
8 Sep 2021
3:02pm
Chuck and Susan, Kathy and Marty, Marlena and Rick and the rest of the family. Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother, Mildred. I met her a few times but always heard Doug’s sister Shirley speak of her often. She lived a long, beautiful, and fulfilling life and I know you have tons of memories of how special she was. You took care of her in her later years and I know you will always treasure the fact that you had the opportunity to spend so much time with her during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Howes family as you mourn her loss but please cherish the fact of how lucky you were to have her in your lives for such a long time. Thinking of you with love.
City
Prince Frederick
State
MD
8 Sep 2021
10:02pm
Our deepest love, regards and prayers for her family. She was a rock to the community. May the good Lord welcome her home. Remember to keep her memories in your hearts and she will always be with you .
City
Huntingtown
State
Maryland (MD)
9 Sep 2021
1:28pm
Chuck, Susan and the entire Howes family! I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Howes passing. I know her family will miss her immensely. She loved her family and certainly enjoyed watching her family grow. I loved reading about her life in her obituary. I admired how nice she always looked. I hope you all can find comfort in your many wonderful memories. My love and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
City
WINTER SPGS
State
FL
9 Sep 2021
5:17pm
To the Howes family, Cousins, Mildred was a sweet & amp; beautiful lady. Her hair & amp; her makeup was always perfect. Mildred’s grandmother, Elsie Carroll was my grandfather Smith’s sister. When we where kids we use to love to visit there. I never knew Mildred’s real mother but remember Aunt Bessie & amp; Uncle Melvin fondly. Mildred loved it when the family got together and there would be a party. I always asked Cathy & Chuck when I saw them how was there mother. She lived a wonderful long life. As with all of us the last 2 yrs we have not visited due to Covid-19. May all of you have wonderful memories, even the grandchildren, great grandchildren. God has called a beautiful Angel home. She will be watching over all. I will not be able to make the service on Friday & amp; for this I am sorry. Love you all. God Bless
City
Prince Fredeerick
State
Md.
10 Sep 2021
4:35pm
Kathie & family, Keeping all of you in our thoughts & prayers while you mourn the loss of your very sweet Mom.
City
St. Leonard
State
Maryland
16 Sep 2021
10:30am
Chuck and Susan, I am so sorry for the loss of Miss Howes. I will always remember her kindness and love towards me. Plus I will remember her yummy coleslaw! She was such a beautiful lady and I am thankful I knew her for just the short time I did.
City
Denton
State
MD
Sort Comments
Kathy and Family,
So sorry to hear of your mother’s passing. May you and your family find peace at this time. God bless you all.
Frankie
What fond memories I have of Mrs. Howes growing up in the community, the love of her family, and her church family. Losing a loved one is never easy and we need to continue to share her memory. Every time I pass through Dunkirk, I will be thinking of her. Love, Debbie
So sorry to hear this news about my dear friend Mildred. She was a big part of my life for many years. We laughed a lot and cried a lot.I retired about 3 years ago and have been home trying not to get covid ever since. Not many days went by that I didn’t think of her and wish I could call her just to let her know I missed her. She hated the phone so calling wasn’t an option. Mildred was a presence in this world and she will be missed by so many people whos lives she touched. I will treasure her friendship forever. I sure pray that there is somebody in heaven that can do her hair…if not there will be “hell’ to pay. Rest in peace dear Mildred.
Love,
Joy
I’m so sorry to hear of Mildred’s passing. She was such a sweet, loving person. My heart goes out to the family.
So sorry for the loss of your beautiful Matriarch.
May she rest in peace and soar high with the Angels.
May the Lord help you during this difficult time
and treasure the numerous memories that you made.
Chuck and Susan, Kathy and Marty, Marlena and Rick and the rest of the family. Please accept our sincere sympathy for the loss of your mother, Mildred. I met her a few times but always heard Doug’s sister Shirley speak of her often. She lived a long, beautiful, and fulfilling life and I know you have tons of memories of how special she was. You took care of her in her later years and I know you will always treasure the fact that you had the opportunity to spend so much time with her during this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire Howes family as you mourn her loss but please cherish the fact of how lucky you were to have her in your lives for such a long time. Thinking of you with love.
Our deepest love, regards and prayers for her family. She was a rock to the community. May the good Lord welcome her home. Remember to keep her memories in your hearts and she will always be with you .
Chuck, Susan and the entire Howes family! I was so sorry to hear of Mrs. Howes passing. I know her family will miss her immensely. She loved her family and certainly enjoyed watching her family grow. I loved reading about her life in her obituary. I admired how nice she always looked. I hope you all can find comfort in your many wonderful memories. My love and prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
To the Howes family, Cousins, Mildred was a sweet & amp; beautiful lady. Her hair & amp; her makeup was always perfect. Mildred’s grandmother, Elsie Carroll was my grandfather Smith’s sister. When we where kids we use to love to visit there. I never knew Mildred’s real mother but remember Aunt Bessie & amp; Uncle Melvin fondly. Mildred loved it when the family got together and there would be a party. I always asked Cathy & Chuck when I saw them how was there mother. She lived a wonderful long life. As with all of us the last 2 yrs we have not visited due to Covid-19. May all of you have wonderful memories, even the grandchildren, great grandchildren. God has called a beautiful Angel home. She will be watching over all. I will not be able to make the service on Friday & amp; for this I am sorry. Love you all. God Bless
Kathie & family, Keeping all of you in our thoughts & prayers while you mourn the loss of your very sweet Mom.
Chuck and Susan, I am so sorry for the loss of Miss Howes. I will always remember her kindness and love towards me. Plus I will remember her yummy coleslaw! She was such a beautiful lady and I am thankful I knew her for just the short time I did.