It is with profound sorrow that the family of Kathryn E. Howard announces her passing on September 5, 2026, in Philadelphia, PA, after a brave and faith-filled battle with cancer. She was 50 years old.

Born on April 14, 1976, in Somers Point, NJ, Kathryn was a lifelong resident of Egg Harbor Township. She attended Egg Harbor Township Public Schools and went on to earn her Bachelor's in Education from the New York Institute of Technology and a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and Administration from Rowan University.

For nearly 20 years, Kathryn served as a Special Education teacher with the Atlantic City Public Schools, teaching at both Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. School and Texas Avenue School, where she was honored as Teacher of the Year. She impacted countless young lives through her instruction and mentorship, even teaching language instruction to international students from China.

Above all, Kathryn was a woman of unwavering faith who served the Lord with her whole heart. Raised from birth at Morning Star Church, “The Dome,” in Pleasantville, New Jersey, she was ordained there as a minister and missionary in 2011. In 2026, she was honored to be named First Lady of New Hope Baptist Church in Atlantic City, New Jersey.

For many years, Kathryn ministered through music as a soloist and praise-and-worship leader, and as a member of Unlimited Praise. She served as church administrator at The Dome and was widely known for leading the Youth Deliverance Conferences, bringing gifted ministers and performers from near and far to inspire and uplift young people. She also served as assistant youth president for the Pentecostal Assembly of Jesus Only, Inc.

Kathryn was deeply committed to mentoring and developing young people through her service with the Atlantic City Chapter of Jack and Jill of America, Inc., where she served as teen adviser and program director.

Kathryn was a beautiful soul whose love, strength, style and presence touched the lives of so many. She poured her heart into her family, friendships, and community, leaving an impact that will never be forgotten.

Kathryn was preceded in death by her father, Reuben Smith, Sr.; her brother, Reuben Smith, Jr.; and her father-in-law, Reverend Dr. John W. Howard, Sr.

She is survived by her devoted husband, Pastor Jerod Howard; her children, Austin, Dallas, and Jenna; her mother, Katherine Smith; her siblings, Bishop Richard Smith, Jr., Robbin Smith-Hines (Gary), Robert Smith (Xochee), and Dr. Krystal Pleasant (Rashad); her mother-in-law, Joyce Howard; her brother-in-law, Reverend John Howard, Jr. (Kim); nieces Tori, Racheal, Dominique, Sy’rai, Rain, Soleil, Sade, Reagan and Joycelyn; nephews Richard, Jr., Daniel, Aaron, Tico, Ethan, Judah, Jashur, John, III; four great-nieces; one great-nephew; and a host of cousins, aunts, uncles, and other friends whom she loved dearly.

Kathryn loved her family with all her heart and delighted in producing exquisite events, blessing many with her eye for design and flawless execution through her company, The Kathryn Howard Factor.

Her faith guided her in everything she did. Up until the very end of her life, she raised her hands in praise to God. A devoted mother, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, niece, and friend, Kathryn's legacy of love and faith will live on in all who knew her.

She will be deeply missed.