Today we celebrate the life of Connie “Mac” Howard, Jr. Connie Howard, Jr. was born the first child to the late Connice “Connie” Howard and Mary Helen (Elliott) Howard on February 29, 1944 in a house built by his father in Camden, Arkansas. Connie J   r. as he was called in his early years, moved with his parents to south Minneapolis in 1948. When Connie Jr. was five years old, his family moved to north Minneapolis where he would live most of his adult life. Around age 11, a dear friend of Connie Jr.’s nicknamed him “Mac,” a name that he would be affectionately called by all who knew and loved him. Connie Jr. gave his life to Christ at an early age. He joined Zion Baptist Church and was a lifetime member. He enjoyed participating in the youth choir in his formative years. He attended North High School and one day walking home from church Mac met the love of his life, the former Juanita Lawrence. After graduating in 1961, they were married on February 2, 1963 in the old Zion Baptist Church parsonage and would enjoy over 55 years of marriage and commitment. To their blessed union three children were born, Troy, Connie, and Keith. Mac worked at the Armour Packing House for 11 years and when they closed their doors he devoted 27 years to Minneapolis Metro Transit as a Bus Operator. He was awarded numerous safe driving awards and took pride in his work. Mac was multi-faceted, he enjoyed racing cars, motorcycle riding, bowling, playing cards and dominoes, good food, good friends, and family. Since his youth, Mac was a phenomenal dancer and made sure that every person who wanted to dance would get a chance to dance with him. It was nearly impossible to be in Mac’s presence and not be touched by his fun and outgoing spirit and people were always entertained with the stories he loved to tell.

 Mac was a good example for his children, their friends, and also other extended family members. His steady presence and firm expectations for his children have shaped who they are today. Many others have commented that Mac served as their guidepost and standard on how to cherish and provide for their own families. As an extension of their passion for love and family, Mac and Juanita opened their home to many young children providing foster care services to 68 different children for the past 28 years. Mac’s profound influence over the lives of so many will be felt for generations to come. 

  Mac departed this earthly life on Saturday, January 5, 2019 after a brief illness. He was quietly surrounded by his family when he took the Master’s hand and entered eternal rest. He was preceded in death and will be welcomed in glory by his parents, Connie Howard, Sr. and Mary Helen (Elliott) Howard, father and mother in-law Dan Lawrence and Janie (Pace) Lawrence. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Juanita (Lawrence) Howard, three children, Troy Howard of New Hope, Connie Howard of Cross Roads, Texas, and Keith Howard (Heidi Jo Servaty) of Brooklyn Park, two former Foster Children Marion Garner (Champlin) and Marian Garner (Plymouth). Siblings Sametta Howard Turrentine (Medford) of Allen, Texas, Charles Arthur Howard of (Champlin) and Dennis James Howard (Lisa) of Minneapolis. Mac will be deeply missed by five grandchildren Qiana (Steven Thompson), Trayton, Waverly, KHeiland, KHristopher, and two great grandchildren; Jaylen and Maya. His many cousins, nieces, nephews, foster children, co-workers and friends will also mourn his loss.