OBITUARIES
WILL NATHANIEL HOWARD Mar. 21, 1936 - Mar. 17, 2017
Will Nathaniel Howard (“Hi-Daddy” to his grandkids), was born in Gordo, Alabama on March 21, 1936 to the late Walter and Zummer Lee Graham Howard. He was the fifth oldest of nine siblings.
Will was educated in Gordo, and graduated from Gordo Colored HS in 1954. Following graduation, he felt the calling of the military and enlisted in the United States Navy, where he was stationed at the El Centro, CA Naval Base. Will served in the Navy for 2 years, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1957.
Following his military tour, Will found employment with Dotson & Sons, Inc., and the Helena Chemical Company, where he worked for many, many years. During that time, he furthered his education at San Diego State University (Calexico Campus), where he received certification as a Real Estate broker. Will came to Christ at an early age, being baptized at First Baptist Church in Gordo as a youngster. He was a faithful steward of Christ and a faithful member of First Baptist Church during his time in Gordo.
Will left this earth to be with the Lord on March 17, 2017, just 4 days prior to his 81st birthday. Preceding him in death are his parents, his older sisters, Louise Fowler and Frances Latham and his older brother, James W. Howard.
He leaves to cherish his memory and celebrate his life his seven beloved children, Dolrie Ann of Brawley; Nathan of Santa Cruz, Selwyn Shawn of Santa Clara, Cynthia Babette Evey (Kevin) of Santa Clara; Kimberlee of Cathedral City; Tim (Maria) of El Centro; and Will of Brawley. He also leaves to mourn 21 amazing grandchildren and 24 adorable great-grandchildren, along with loving sisters, Atrice Bonner and Doris Fulgham of Cleveland, OH and Jewel (Eugene) Harris of Eufaula, AL; brother and best friend Edward (Angela) Howard of Atlanta, GA, and brother Rev. Lee (Joanne) Howard of Carrollton, AL; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives and friends. (A special “shout out” goes to Will’s loving nephew/brother and namesake, James Nathaniel Howard of San Diego, who never missed a day of visiting Will during his hospitalization prior to his transition.)
Will’s passion was following his kids and his grandkids in their sports activities. His love of sports was legendary, and “March Madness” was his favorite time of year. That, and rooting for his beloved NBA Los Angeles Clippers! Will’s gentle chuckle and his kind heart will be missed by all who knew him.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday March 29, 2017 at Frye Chapel and Mortuary in Brawley from 6 to 9 p.m. Graveside Service will be held at Riverview Cemetery in Brawley at 9 a.m.
SONIA E. GARCIA Oct. 14, 1967 - Mar. 22, 2017
Sonia Garcia, 49, of Calexico passed away on Wednesday, March 22, 2017 in Brawley.
She was born in El Centro on October 14, 1967 and later married Jose M. Garcia on June 19th in Mexicali, Mexico and also worked for the City of Calexico for 20 years.
Sonia is survived by her husband, Jose; son, Victor, parents, Ricardo and Juana Espinoza;, siblings; numerous nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 28, 2017 at 6 p.m. at Calexico Hems Brothers Mortuary in Calexico with Rosary at 7 p.m. Service will be held on Wednesday, March 29, 2017 at 9 a.m. Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Calexico.