Life Reflections
For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time of my
departure is near. I have fought a good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept
the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord
the righteous Judge will award to me on that day, and not to me only, but also to
all who have longed for his appearing. - 2 Timothy 4:6-8
Ora Augusta Mabry Howard was born on October 14, 1942, to the late Lee
Andrew and Fleetie Viola Georgia Berry Mabry in Quitman, Texas. After
graduating from W. B Clark High School in Quitman, Texas in 1960, Ora
moved to Dallas, Texas to start her career in the food service industry. She
retired from Methodist Hospital after 31 years of service in 1999.
Ora gave birth to her only child, Novie, on October 17, 1967.

Their mother daughter relationship was one of love, joy, appreciation, blessings, and
gratitude. They cherished the times they spent together, appreciating the life
God gave them. Ora accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at a young age and was a
lifelong member of Mt. Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church in Quitman. Her
music ministry began in her teens as she served as the church musician for
over 65 years. Ora played the piano and sang faithfully every fourth Sunday at
Mt. Shiloh until the church closed its doors on October 25, 2020. The church
was 159 years old. Ora was also the pianist and singer for the Spiritual Aires,
a gospel quartet that ministered at various churches throughout Dallas.
In mid-1994, Ora joined People's Missionary Baptist Church under the
leadership of Reverend S.M. Wright, II and Co-Pastor Reverend Calvin
Wright. She was a devoted and faithful member of Mission Board 2, Mission
Chorus, and the Mothers' Board until her health failed.
Ora A. Howard departed this life and entered eternal rest on Monday, April
15, 2024. Her parents and niece, Moncita Yolanda Cotton Miller, preceded
her in death. She is survived by her daughter, Novie Demetra Henderson,
older sister Imogene Mabry Cotton, nieces Fleta Leora Hayes Cotton Nash
and Kamalia Lanette Cotton, nephew William Hayes Cotton, II, five great nieces, four great-great-nephews, and a multitude of other relatives and
friends