Colleen Martha Howard

Colleen Martha Howard, 72 of Charleston, SC, passed away in her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Monday, October 9, 2023. 

Born on November 7, 1950, in Miami, Fl, she was a daughter of the late Jeanne Mondor Sharpe and the late Wynette Franklin Brooks. 

From an early age, Colleen was led by a spirit of nurturing. She lived her life putting the needs of others before her own. Through her love and dedication to her family and friends, she followed God's call on her life joyfully. Colleen was able to fulfill her life's dream of following that call as she pursued a nursing career. She especially felt drawn to be the helping hands of the elderly, and genuinely loved working with long-term care patients.

Colleen enjoyed traveling with her husband, Fred and their cats. She liked cooking for family (and eating), bird-watching and most especially, spending time with her children and grandchildren. In her quiet times, Colleen found peace and encouragement through scripture and a hot cup of coffee.

Colleen was a woman of a strong yet gentle faith. She was often sought after for her kind encouragement and truthful wisdom. In addition to fulfilling her career goals in nursing, she was a devoted and loving wife to James Hudson until his death, and her loving husband and wonderful dad to her children, Fredrick Howard until he passed away in 2017. She was the most patient and adored mother of her children. Colleen showed the love of Christ by living and leading in faith. Through that faith, both her son and daughter were saved. Her family will remember her as a strong, faithful, loyal, gentle and caring woman.

Besides her parents, Colleen is preceded in death by her husband, Fredrick Howard; her son, James Brooks Hudson and her brother, Jerry Brooks.

Colleen is survived by her daughter, Kelly Ledford (Jeremy); grandchildren, Caleb Brooks Ledford and Emma Colleen Ledford; sons, Corwin Galt and David Galt; her sister, Lynn Chattman (Willie).

A memorial service will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, October 21, 2023, at Grace on the Ashley Church, 2025 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, 199 Water Street, New York, NY 10038. 

Expressions of sympathy may be viewed or submitted online at www.mcalister-smith.com. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to McAlister-Smith Funeral Home, 2501 Bees Ferry Road, Charleston, SC 29414, (843) 722-8371.