Hobert Edward Howard

On February 2, 2022, Hobert Edward Howard (“Papa” and “Hoba”) of Kents Store, Virginia, 74, peacefully entered his eternal rest at the University of Virginia Medical Center with his wife by his side. Hobert was born on October 10, 1947, to his late parents, John Howard and Cornelia Walls Howard of Cranks Creek, Kentucky. He is also preceded in death by his stepson, Kim L. Bradshaw; stepdaughter, Pamala M. Shelton; sisters, Efella Goodgame, Rosemary Mason, Phylis Ann Davis, Peggy Sue Neal and Emma Jean Howard; brothers, John Mason, Lawrence Neal, Levi Mason and Anthony Howard. Hobert is survived by his beloved wife of 44 years, Janas Mae Grooms Howard; stepdaughters, Tracey L. Bradshaw and Rebecca S. Askew (Rodney); one sister-in-law, Joyce Ann Mason, stepson, Lloyd C. Shelton; nieces, Patricia Ross, Sheryl Miles, Cassandra Swain, Antinita Marrow, Evelyn Bolden, Deanna Cooper, Lisa Burtwell and Rose Mason; nephews, Michael Marrow, Luther Brown, William Mason, Percy Owens, John Howard and Tony Howard; a doting granddaughter, Lovene Bradshaw; two good buddies, Gilbert Price, Sr., and Julian Cohens; and a host of nieces, nephews, grandchildren and great grandchildren who will miss their Papa. Hobert graduated from John I. Burton High School in Norton, Virginia. After high school, he joined the United States Army, where he was stationed in Germany and served in the medical corps as a transfer nurse. After serving, he settled in Richmond, Virginia and worked at JP Taylor Tobacco Company. He later worked as a custodian for Powhatan County Public Schools and Louisa County Public Schools. Before retiring, Hobert worked for 20 years at the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia, in patient transportation. He enjoyed working and at each job made friendships that lasted for many years after retirement. In his leisure time, Papa loved spending time with his beloved wife, whom he cherished, eating good meals, watching mystery legal dramas, catching up on their “stories” and watching sports – especially football. On any given weekend you could find him watching the Pittsburgh Steelers, or the University of Virginia football or basketball teams. He was a man of few words, with an easy laugh, who loved his family and adored his wife. He will be truly missed by many. A viewing will be held from 4:00 – 8:00 pm on Friday , February 11 , 2022 , at Sheridan Funeral Home in Kents Store, VA. A celebration of life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday , February 12 , 2022 , at Sheridan Funeral Home with interment to follow at Galilee Baptist Church cemetery, 3598 Three Notch Road, Louisa , VA 230 93 .