Marian Marie Howard

Marian Marie Howard, beloved mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, peacefully departed this world on September 22, 2026, at her home in Los Angeles, California, after a courageous battle with illness. Born on March 13, 1930, in Fayetteville, Texas, Marian was the cherished daughter of Eddie J. and Lela A. Darden. Marian was preceded in death by her devoted husband of over fifty years, Charley Howard, her loving parents Eddie Darden Sr. and Lela Darden, and her Brothers Eugene, Elroy, Everett (Sunny), Freddie Sr., beloved Sister Johnell Howard. She is survived by her children, Anthony Howard and Vanessa Howard Kirkwood (Calvin), her stepdaughter Janice Cole, her Sister Iris Anderson, and her Brother Eddie Darden Jr. (Lillie). Marian was a proud and loving grandmother to seven grandchildren—Kimberley, Calvin II, Britney Kirkwood, Ashleigh Howard, Michael, Johnathan, and Eric Cole—and twelve great-grandchildren and two great-great grand daughters who brought immense joy to her life. Marian attended Texas Southern University, majoring in Nursing. After relocating to California, she pursued her passion for beauty, graduating from Newberry School of Beauty in Los Angeles with a license in cosmetology. While she dedicated many years to raising her family, Marian eventually embarked on a fulfilling career as a Shampoo Assistant, working in esteemed salons across Alhambra, Brentwood, and Beverly Hills. Her faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she was an active member of the Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church in Los Angeles, where she served faithfully on the Matrons Committee. Her hobbies included sewing, knitting, and crocheting, through which she expressed her creativity and shared warmth with her family and friends. Marian's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to Diana Douglas, family friend, All Care Hospice Nurses, and Vista Health Care Nurses for their dedicated service from 2022 to 2026, ensuring Marian's comfort and dignity during her final years. A service celebrating Marian's life will be held on October 16, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Inglewood Park Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to a charity of your choice in Marian's memory. Marian Marie Howard will be remembered for her unwavering love, strength, and grace. Her legacy lives on in the hearts of those she touched, and she will be dearly missed by all who knew her.