Blanche Howze

Carter McKinley and Flozell McKinley, was born on October 3, 1929 in Birmingham, Alabama. Blanche received her life-long attributes of respectfulness, kindness,selflessness and gratitude through her early Christian education and up bringing. She attended the 23rd Street Baptist Church in Birmingham Alabama and was the Goddaughter of Lucille Bryant. Later she joined St. Joseph’s Monastery Catholic Church where she remained an active member for nearly 70 years. She served as Eucharistic Minister for many years and was a member of the Hospitality Committee. She was known as the highest ticket seller for many affairs and activities, such as the annual Oyster and Bull Roast and the Crab Feast. She was close to all the Priests at St. Joseph’s and was affectionately known as “Grandmother” by the current Priest, Father Mike. Blanche received her early education in the Birmingham school system and graduated with the class of 1948 from A.H. Parker High School. She remained active in Parker’s class reunions, attending both the 50th and 58th class reunions. After moving to Baltimore, her caring and compassionate personality led her to a career in nursing. Initially working as a nurse’s aide at Johns Hopkins Hospital, she later obtained a nursing degree at Henryton Nursing School in Baltimore, Maryland. It was at Johns Hopkins Hospital that she met Adolphus Johnson Howze, her patient. The two were married at Saint Pius Roman Catholic Church on March 23, 1952, and had one son, Gary Charles Howze. Her love of education led her to a second and concurrent career in teaching primary level students. She attended Coppin State College (now Coppin State University) and earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Education in 1968 and a Master’s Degree in Education the following year. She taught early childhood education for Baltimore City School System, initially at Cherry Hill Elementary School #159 and later at Lyndhurst Elementary School #88, until her retirement. Both before and after retirement, Sweet Blanche remained involved in the lives of her family and friends often serving as “taxi care”, assisting with transportation for church services, doctor appointments, school drop-offs and pick-ups and store runs. She was a loving caregiver to many including her mother - Clara McKinley, sister-in-law - Jennie Howze Nelson, and her son Gary’s mother-in-law - Elizabeth Moaney. Blanche was the BEST Cook for her family preparing scrumptious meals for any occasion, especially during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. She served with excitement, her collards and cabbage mix, cornbread stuffing, spaghetti, crab cakes, and sweet potato pies. “Gram” as she was known by her grands, would often employ them for house chores, planning class assignments and shredding papers. Payment would be in the form of graham crackers and bananas, sometimes a little cash pushed in their hands. Affectionately known as Sweet Aunt Blanche to her family who loved her deeply, her loving personality, positive and prayerful spirit, patience and love, will remain with all who knew her. Our Matriarch Blanche leaves to cherish her memory: her sister, Johnnie Mae Dudley; grandson, Gary Charles Howze, II (Jamia); granddaughter, Denicia Batson (Eric); great-grandchildren, Meyauna, Maurice, Musa,Mustafa, Eric II and Yiarra; great-great-granddaughter, Aaliyah; an especially loved and dedicated nephew, Warren J. Howze; goddaughter, Lawanda Salisbury; and a large family of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Adolphus J. Howze, son Gary C. Howze I, daughter-in-law Anna (Moaney) Howze, brother William McKinley, and sister Mary Ollie Sistrunk, niece/ daughter, Euphemia Collins and her husband Avon Collins.

Tributes

Blanche Howze

October 3, 1929 - August 18, 2025