Ms. Lee Ester Howard, age 78, of Hamburg, AR passed away Wednesday, February 22, 2017 at Jefferson Regional Medical Center. She was a native of El Dorado, AR, a Homemaker, and a member of Mt Zion Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by her husband, George Washington "Gee" Howard, of 49 years in April 2004, one son, Vance "Bull" Howard, her parents, George W. "GW" Ward and Gladys Ford- Ward. Mrs. Lee Ester was faithful to her church as long as her health permitted. She enjoyed spending time with her family. She was truly an inspiration to all who knew her.

She leaves to cherish her memories her three sons, George W. Howard Jr (Mary), Wilford Howard (Renee), Stevenson Howard all of Hamburg AR; six daughters, Lee Ann Gannaway of Santa Monica, CA; Carolyn Sue Smith of Crossett, AR; Lisa Johnson (Ephriam) of Hamburg, AR; Wanda Kay Owens (Chester), Sharon Henderson (David), and Lenora Howard all of Hamburg, AR; one brother, Larry Ward of Seattle, WA; three sisters, Mardell Cox of Hamburg, AR; Mae Retta Bowens (Willis) of Gary, IN; Tony Wilford (Richard) of San Diego, CA; twenty grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren, and a host of nieces, nephews other family and friends.

Funeral services will be held 1:00PM Saturday, March 4, 2017 at Mt Zion Baptist Church with Reverend Willie R. Taylor, officiating. Pallbearers are Roosevelt Simpson, Clyde Leonard, Johnathon Young, Lloyd Collins, Curtis Howard, and Willie Mays. Honorary Pallbearers are Grandsons. Burial in Johnson Memorial Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday, March 3, 2017 from 6:00PM until 7:30PM at Cromwell Funeral Home, Inc.