Amanda Lee Howard, a beloved matriarch, compassionate caregiver, and skilled surgical technician, passed away peacefully on June 2, 2026, at the age of 97. Born on June 19, 1928, in Talbotton, Georgia, to the union of Anna Vesta Parker-Little, and father, Young Little. Amanda embodied grace, strength, and unwavering love throughout her life.

Raised in a time of both challenge and opportunity, she dedicated herself to her family and community, serving as a guiding light for all who knew her. She was the bride of Carlton Howard and the remained united in holy matrimony until parted by his death.

Amanda’s career included significant roles as a surgical technician at Youngstown Hospital Association's Northside, as well as positions at the Weatherbee Coat Factory and Nelson Beddings. Yet, her greatest fulfillment came from her commitment to her family, where she seamlessly handled the affairs of her home while nurturing her children.

Known for her culinary prowess, Amanda prepared meals from scratch, enchanting her loved ones with her famous lemon meringue pie and pound cakes. Her unmatched skills extended beyond the kitchen; she was also a talented seamstress, creating beautiful gowns, wedding coats, suits, and upholstery that showcased her dedication to craftsmanship. Amanda also had a deep passion for the love of gardening, the art of canning, and traveling with her family.

Amanda nurtured her soul through the reading of the Bible and remained steadfast in her faith, drawing strength from her experiences at Stambaugh Auditorium and the Kathryn Kuhlman Ministries. She had a fondness for the color lavender, which reflects calmness, spiritual purity, and a gentle yet powerful form of strength. The soft purple hue is widely associated with tranquility, inner peace, and spiritual clarity.

Amanda was an ordained minister whose life was marked by her ability to offer wisdom and encouragement, always enveloping her counsel in prayer. Her gentle spirit and loving heart made a lasting impact on all who encountered her.

A beloved mother, Amanda leaves cherished memories with her children, Donna (Howard) Woods, Carl (Shirley) Howard, Jeffery (Angela) Howard and daughters-in-love, Kimberly Howard and Suzan Howard. Her legacy is entrusted to her twenty-eight grandchildren, twenty-five great grandchildren and ten great- great- great grandchildren, along with a score of family and friends that extends for generations.

As Amanda’s faith became sight, she was reunited with her husband; parents; sons, Vincent Howard, Samuel Howard, Bruce Howard and sister Annie Francies (Jessie) Howard, each who predeceased her.

A Celebration of Life service honoring Amanda's remarkable impact will be held at Jaylex Event Center, 2110 Glenwood Ave., on Wednesday June 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., following a public viewing from 10:00 a.m. This event, officiated by Pastor Chris Wooley, Senior Pastor of the Christian Life Church in Canfield, invites the community to come together to celebrate the beautiful legacy she leaves behind.

After a committal ceremony, Amanda will be laid to rest alongside her husband at the Belmont Park Cemetery. In this time of sorrow, her family wishes to express deep gratitude to all who have shared in her life and journey. She will forever be remembered for her love, strength, and the countless lives she touched.

At this time of intimate need and personal loss, the family of Amanda Lee Howard, elected to entrust the Ministry of Comfort & Care, along with Transitional After-Care Arrangements to the J. E. Washington Funeral Services, 2234 Glenwood Avenue, Youngstown, Ohio, 330.782.8500.