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Mrs. Michelle Royals Howard, 60, overcame her chronic illness on December 26, 2021, at her home in Swainsboro surrounded by family and friends.
Mrs. Howard kept the faith and fought a good fight before she transitioned to her eternal home. She loved her family dearly and will be truly missed by all who were blessed to have known her. Her memory will forever be treasured by her loving and devoted husband of 37 years, Anthony L. Howard, MD. She was a loving mother to 3 children: Monique (Maurice)L. Howard Brown of Swainsboro, Anthony L. Howard, II and Frederick B. Howard both of Swainsboro. She was preceded in death by her parents; mother-in-law, Eva Lou Howard; 2 brothers-in-law, Cecil Howard, Jr. and Gregory Howard.
Michelle was born in Chatham County, Savannah, GA on November 5, 1961, as the only surviving child of the late Carolyn Royals – Anderson and the late Freddie Royals. She was a 1979 graduate of Lake Michigan Catholic high school. She then graduated from Savannah State College, Savannah, GA with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration in 1987. Her first job was in Nashville, TN at Money Gram as an Associate. She then worked for four years at Akron General Medical Center’s Surgical Center as a Receptionist. She worked for over 20 years as Clinic Administrator of Swainsboro Medical Clinic and Owner and Manager of Michelle’s Miniatures Antiques and Things. As a child, she was a member of the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and was baptized at St Paul Baptist Church in Savannah, GA. As an adult she was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Swainsboro and was a member and deaconess at St James Baptist Missionary Church in Swainsboro where she served as the assistant church clerk, where she especially enjoyed decorating the church for the holidays and anniversary programs.
Michelle was a Past Matron of Olive Leaf Chapter No. 295, Order of the Eastern Star, Past Secretary for Wadley Court No. 9, Heroines of Jericho, and Past Secretary of the Mary Neal Allen Assembly No. 317, Order of the Golden Circle.
Along with her husband and children, Michelle is also survived by a devoted friend Sheila (Tommy) Givens, while not related by blood Sheila and Michelle met shortly after moving to Swainsboro and quickly became a sister she never had. They would go on to raise their families together and in their free time you could always find them enjoying traveling and visiting flea markets, antique stores, and auctions. A father – in – law, Cecil (Marion) Howard, Sr. of Atlanta; a half – brother, Alfonso (Janice) Royals of Atlanta; brother – in – law, Malcom Howard of Macon; 2 sisters – in – law, Angela Fennell and Gayla Howard both of Atlanta; other devoted friends, Natalie Jordan, Ann Farrar, Melissa Coppock-Devouil and Vanessa Coppock, a host of nieces, nephews, 1st cousins, other relatives, and coworkers.
Funeral services will be held at 6 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021, in the chapel of Chapman Funeral Home in Swainsboro, GA.
Graveside Service will be 2 p.m. Friday, December 31, 2021, at Cherry Blossom Cemetery, Lizella GA.
The family will receive friends from 5 p.m. until 6 p.m. Thursday, December 30, 2021, at Chapman Funeral Home.
Due to unforeseen circumstances there will be no visitation at 1532 Audubon Dr, Savannah GA. The family apologizes for any inconvenience.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in memory of Mrs. Michelle Royals Howard, to the Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Condolences may be expressed at www.chapmanfhofswainsboro.com
Chapman Funeral Home of Swainsboro is in charge of the arrangements for Mrs. Michelle Royals Howard, 60, of Swainsboro.
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