Vernice Howard, a woman of grace, style and steadfast faith, passed away on September 29, 2026 at the age of 96. She was a longtime resident of East Orange, New Jersey.

Born in Marion, South Carolina on April 1, 1930, Vernice was educated there before heading north to build a life of her own. For more than 20 years she gave her talents to the Newark Museum of Arts, retiring in 1995 with a career marked by dependability and care.

Retirement gave her room to live even more fully. She traveled, practiced benevolence, and touched a multitude of lives along the way. Fashionable, sociable and demure, she carried herself with quiet elegance and never hid her love of shopping. At 96 years young she was still quick with it, no-nonsense when the moment called for it, and nurturing to all who came her way.

Vernice was clear about what sustained her. In her words: “It’s a blessing to live as long as I have. My faith, my commitment to the Lord and just being a decent human being have carried me.”

She was preceded in death by her mother, Lou White Smith; her father, Clarence White; her brother, Charlie White; her beloved companion, Jimmy Lee King; and her nephew, Ernest King Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory her special niece, Annie King and a host of other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.