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Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard

10/9/1942 - 4/20/2026

Text:

Obituary For Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard

Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard, a woman whose life was defined by her boundless generosity, unwavering faith, and deep love for her family and community, passed away Monday, April 20, 2026, at the age of 83.

Marcia was born in Montgomery, WV to the late John and Margaret Lynch moving to Rand at the age of five, where she built the foundation of her life. She was a graduate of DuPont High School and attended West Virginia State College. In April of 1964, Marcia married the love of her life, Bobbie Allen Howard, Sr. and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and the upbringing of their three children.

Marcia held positions at the C&P Telephone Company, the West Virginia State Police, and the Charleston Civic Center. Her time as parking lot attendant at the Civic Center was a particular favorite, as it allowed her to connect with people and share her warm, welcoming spirit.

Affectionately known as Momma, Ma, Nana, Ms. Marcia, or Grandma Marcy, she held a special place in her heart for her many “adopted” children, whom she loved as her own. She enjoyed cooking, exercising, boxing, sporting events, and traveling with family and friends. She particularly enjoyed traveling to Notre Dame and Chicago to cheer on her son during his football career.

Marcia was a lifelong, loyal member of the Levi First Missionary Baptist Church, where she faithfully served as the president of the usher board, a Sunday school teacher, and head of the kitchen committee. Each week, Marcia looked forward to attending her Rock Steady Boxing class and she was a faithful member of the Charleston Parkinson’s Support Group.

Cooking was Marcia’s true love language. Her mantra, “Nobody will be hungry if I know about it,” was a testament to her nurturing soul. At Levi, she found great joy in feeding the members of her church family. For many years, she was a familiar and beloved figure to the football players of DuPont and Riverside High Schools, helping ensure the players were well-fed. Anyone fortunate enough to taste her cooking understood her gift in the kitchen and she freely shared her recipes because she wanted them to live on.

Marcia leaves behind a legacy of love and service. She is survived by her devoted husband of 62 years, Bobbie Howard Sr.; three children, Marcia Davita of Laurel, MD, Kanita of Washington, DC, and Bobbie Jr. Chicago, IL; granddaughter, Micah Rose, who was the absolute joy of her life; along with a host of other relatives and friends.

Funeral service will be 12:00PM Monday, April 27, 2026 at Levi First Missionary Baptist Church 5125 Church Dr.
Charleston. Burial will follow in Kanawha Valley Memorial Gardens Rt. 60 Glasgow.

Friends may view and visit with the family one-hour prior at the church.

To livestream go to Levi First Missionary Baptist Church on Facebook

In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made in her memory to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research P.O. Box 5014 Hagerstown, MD 21741.

Email condolences to ritchiejohnsonfuneralparlor@gmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.

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Tributes

  • The Peace Lily

    Erin Andrews sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard - 04/27/2026

    You have my deepest condolences. Prayers to you and your family during this time of loss. Erin Andrews, Daneka Ivory, and Sheri Montgomery.

  • Red and White Floor Basket

    Harriet Hadley sent Red and White Floor Basket for Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard - 04/26/2026

    My sincere condolences! I love you Sissy

  • Serene Lily Basket

    Walter Dandridge sent Serene Lily Basket for Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard - 04/26/2026

    Sending our love and sincere condolences to the entire family. Walter Dandridge and Family

  • The Peace Lily

    Kim Harris sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard - 04/26/2026

    Cousins, We are sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts during this difficult time. Wishing you strength, and peace in the days ahead. With deepest sympathy, Charles and Kim Harris

  • The Peace Lily

    Kevin Saunders sent The Peace Lily for Mrs. Marcia Lynch Howard - 04/26/2026

    Sending our most sincerest condolences to the Howard family from the Saunders family.

Condolences

  • 05/05/2026

    Conni Gratop Lewis

    my late husband Ray and i knew Marcia through the Parkinson's support group. It was always such a joy to see her and Bobby at the meetings. may her memory be a blessing.

  • 04/30/2026

    Tara Whitestone

    I'm sending my sincere condolences and prayers to the Howard family. I have so many memories of this sweet lady Mrs. Marcia. May the Lord comfort the family today and the days to come. Tara Whitestone

  • 04/28/2026

    Monique Watts

    "'Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.'' (Matthew 5:4). Kanita, I am standing in the gap for you and the Howard family. May God's grace carry you through this valley and may you find joy in the promise of eternal life. Your mother's beautiful spirit is now resting in perfect peace. I love you dearly. ~Mo~

  • 04/27/2026

    Sandy Stemple

    Dear Bobbie, I worked in the Law Library many years ago and was a friend of Janet Bolland's. I remember the many cookouts at Janet and Clark's and your house. I was so sorry to read about Marcie. She was a special lady. She was such a sweet, sharing, and friendly lady. I'm glad you have so many friends and friends to help you get through this. Sandy Stemple

  • 04/27/2026

    Nick and Linda Johnson

    We send our condolences to Bobby and the Howard family. We saw an example of true love as we watched Marcia's family support her efforts to fight to delay the progress of the Parkinson Disease. Marcia was always full of hope and joy as she shared the love of her Savior with acts of kindness and remembrances. She often would say "I have something for you!" and then give you a small gift. One she gave us was a packet of daily scriptures...we call them "Marcia's verses" and read them every evening before bed. We cherish our memories of her. May God bless and keep the Howard family in His hands and give them peace. With our love, Nick and Linda Johnson

  • 04/27/2026

    Rev. Michael W. Smith, Sr. MDiv, DD

    April 27, 2026 To: The Howard Family "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away." Revelation 21.4 KJV We, the membership of Community Missionary Baptist Church, wish to express our heartfelt sympathy in the home going of Sis. Marcea Lynch Howard. Sister Howard's memories will forever be cherished as we are reminded that as a family, we must, in time, accept this loss and let us not grieve without hope, for we wait for that day of great rejoicing when all of God's children will gather and inherit the joys of Heaven. Weeping may endure for a moment, but joy will come in the morning. We must make the run successful from the cradle to the grave. Watch for the curves, the fills in the tunnels, never falter and never quail. Keep your hand upon the throttle and your eyes upon the rail. Our blessed Savior will guide us until we reach the blissful shore where the Angels await to join us in their praise forever more. As the almighty has deemed it fit to call this Angel home. She was a blessing made from heaven and God only loaned her to us. And while on this side, Sister Howard served him well and will be missed by all who knew her and loved her. Her memories will linger on. We the Community Missionary Baptist Church Family and all Officers join you in prayer for your strength and our strength during the days to come. Knowing that the Angels in Heaven are rejoicing and receiving this earthly flower to the Heavenly host. Prayerfully submitted with loving thoughts and sympathy. Rev. Michael W. Smith, Sr. MDiv, DD

  • 04/27/2026

    Nicole T. Wilson Brown

    Mrs. Howard was a beautiful soul and I am honored to have experienced the generosity of her spirit. My sincere condolences to the Howard Family. My heart is with you all.

  • 04/26/2026

    Harriet Hadley

    My sincere condolences to the Howard Family! Marcia was loved by many for her kindness and loving spirit. I have fond memories of her when she came to NY we shared laughter, love and good food. She will never be forgotten. Love Sissy

  • 04/26/2026

    Trina Tabron

    Marcia was a beautiful person, she was always so kind to me and our families. We remember how she was so caring when our mom, and dad passed away. She always greeted you with a smile, that's what we loved about her. We are going to truly miss Marcy. Much love, Trina Woodson Tabron and Robin Woodson Loy.

  • 04/26/2026

    William "Billy" Lacy

    To the entire Howard family I extend my condolences. Marcia was indeed an angel on earth. So kind and caring to all she came in contact with. She would do anything for those who were in need. I know your hearts are aching but she is now at rest. Enjoying the fruits of her earthly labors. May God strengthen and comfort each one of you.

  • 04/25/2026

    Vickie White

    I am truly sorry for your loss, I graduated with Marcia and I know the loss you must be feeling 🙏🙏💔💔

  • 04/24/2026

    Mia Booker

    My sincere condolences and prayers to the Howard family during your time of bereavement. 🙏🏾

  • 04/24/2026

    Donna Beasley

    Such a wonderful lady. The biggest heart. She brightened every persons life that she touched. Hugs and prayers to the family.

  • 04/24/2026

    Alaka Williams

    Deepest condolences and sympathies to the Howard Family in the loss of our Angel on earth. Her warmth, kindness and generosity were unmatched.Our lives are BLESSED having had her in it! Love and Grace to her perfect resting soul. Love Alaka

  • 04/23/2026

    Bonnie Hightower and Family

    Prayers for the ENTIRE FAMILY AND FRIENDS 🙏🏾

  • 04/23/2026

    Joyce Dow Harris

    To Marcia's family (and by extension the Saunders family), I want to express my sincere condolences to you in the passing of your loved one. Marcia's grandmother Viola Saunders is related to my Grandfather Charles Edward Dow's first wife, Minnie Saunders. May Marcia rest in peace.

  • 04/23/2026

    Patty Tosebourgh

    From the time I met Marcia Howard, through daughters Danita and Kinita she became one of my favorite people. She was a Xinos parent and the same to me. The joy she and Bobbie shared lit up any space. I will always be grateful for her love and encouragement. Rest in Peace.

  • 04/23/2026

    Dorothy Dean

    My condolences to the family of Marcia Lynch. She was a great person and always greeted you with a hug and a smile. May God bless you and give you the strength you need as you go through these difficult days. She was a special lady. Bobbie may God bless you and strengthen you. Love you Rev Dorothy Dean And Munsey.

  • 04/23/2026

    Barbara Allen

    We send our condolences to Kanita and her family 🙏🏽. You are all in our hearts and prayers during this difficult time. Jason & Barbara Allen

  • 04/23/2026

    JOELLEN SHORT

    She was a great person we got to know the family livig in Rand. love JoEllen Short and the late Hershel Short.

  • 04/23/2026

    Kaye buckner

    I am so sorry to read this. Marcia was such a special sweet lady. Prayers for all

  • 04/23/2026

    Rev Mary M. Mason

    REST IN PEACE my dear sister . What a ride and life you had. I see both your Mom and Dad in your smile. I look forward to the reunion around God's throne. Minister Mary Mason

  • 04/23/2026

    S Duernberger

    My heart is broken to hear the news of Marcia's passing. Our family was so blessed to have been considered friends. Please know our prayers & sympathies are with the Howard family during this very difficult time. Susan, Scott & Chad Duernberger

  • 04/22/2026

    Doris Boyden McCormick

    My sincere condolences to the Howard Family. May the Lord be with each of you during your hours of bereavement. Doris Boyden-McCormickk

  • 04/21/2026

    Walter Dandridge

    Our sincere condolences to the Howard family. Marcia's memory will live on in the hearts of so many who loved her. 🙏🏾 Walter Dandridge and Family

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