A Life Story
Delores Waters Howard Port Wentworth — Delores Waters Howard, 80, passed away September 26, 2026, at her residence surrounded by her loving family. A Chatham County native, Delores graduated Groves High School and shortly after, married the love of her life, John “Johnny” W. Howard, Jr. Delores was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and friend who truly wore many hats throughout her life. Delores formerly worked at W.E.A.S. Radio Station reporting on weather, served as a Teacher’s Aide at Port Wentworth Elementary School, and then continued her career with Flight Safety at Gulfstream. Ultimately, she was blessed to stay home doing what she loved best: being a wife, mother and grandma. In addition, Delores loved gardening, tending to her flowers, and spending time on the water boating, fishing and crabbing. Delores was also a member of the “Wenches” with the Alee Temple Pirates where she enjoyed spending time with friends. Delores was a vibrant, caring soul who was happiest when surrounded by loved ones, but it was her family that brought her the greatest joy. She loved being a wife and spending 62 years alongside her husband, Johnny. She enjoyed taking her children to ball games, cheering them on, and making memories with her grandchildren. She cherished every moment spent with her family and was always there to support and care for them. Delores will be remembered for her loving heart, fun-loving personality, and the many roles she proudly filled throughout her life. Above all, she will be remembered as a woman who loved her family deeply and made them the center of her world. She was preceded in death by her parents, Charlie and Hazel Shuman Waters; sister, Charlotte Waters Dixon; granddaughter, Ashley Howard; and daughter-in-law, Cindy Howard. Survivors include her husband of 62 years, John “Johnny” W. Howard, Jr.; children, Johnny “Skeeter” Howard (Julie), Brandon Howard, and Tara Benton (Ronnie); grandchildren, Karsyn Hobbs (Noah), Casey Delapena (Andrew), Kinnett Howard, Aaron Benton, and Quincy Howard; great-granddaughter, Haezel Hobbs; and a number of nieces and nephews. Visitation will be 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at Thomas C. Strickland & Sons Funeral Home, Effingham Chapel, followed by a memorial service at 2 p.m. in the chapel. Interment will follow in Effingham Memorial Gardens.