It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gracie Marie Howard of Waldorf, Maryland, who passed away on April 8, 2025, at the age of 87. Gracie was born on September 26, 1937 to Harold Wayne Adkins and Evelyn Marie Adkins (Bowie).

Gracie lived a life full of love, devotion, and joy. She married the love of her life, Russell Thaddeus Howard Jr., on December 14, 1957, and they shared many wonderful years before his passing. Together, they raised a large and loving family, which today includes nine children, 18 grandchildren, 23 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandchildren.

Gracie was a dedicated homemaker and her home was always a place of warmth, comfort and she welcomed everyone. She had a true passion for family, and nothing brought her greater joy than spending time with her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren. She enjoyed activities like bowling, shopping, puzzles, cooking, baking, watching football, baseball and loved planting her many flower pots. She had a special knack for making everyone feel loved and cared for, and her family will forever remember her for her kind heart and infectious smile.

Gracie was predeceased by her parents, Harold and Evelyn Adkins; her beloved husband, Russell; her brother Wayne Adkins, her sister Betty Perrie and her son-in-law Kevin Bruffy. She is survived by her nine children: Russell T. Howard III (Dorothy), Michael Howard (Sandy), Duke Howard, Harold Howard and Harrison Howard, Hope Middleton (Greg), Lynn Shepard (Pat), Leigh Keyes (Chris), and Heather Howard. She is also survived by her sisters Mary Gilroy, Dorothy Mako and sister-in-law, Barbara Adkins, as well as her numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchildren who adored her.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 22, 2025 from 3:30 p.m. until 5:30 p.m. at Brinsfield Funeral Home, located at 30195 Three Notch Road in Charlotte Hall, Maryland. Prayers will take place Wednesday, April 23 at Brinsfield Funeral Home at 12:00 p.m., followed by a procession to St. Peter's Cemetery, located at 3320 St Peters Drive in Waldorf, Maryland. Gracie will be laid to rest along with her husband at 2:00 p.m.

Condolences may be made to the family at www.brinsfieldfuneral.com.