Elsie G. Howard

Born: September 15, 1934 in New Orleans, Louisan the Youngest of three children.

 

At the age of 5 years old, she and her brother Joseph was introduced to a well-known artist named 'Mahalia Jackson', she and her brother, Joseph, was blessed to sing on the program.

 

At 6 years old, she excepted the Lord Jesus in her life, before being Baptist Elsie sang her first solo at her Home Church standing on a small table, in front of the Church, so little, she singed, "Who is that knocking at my hearts door".

 

At the age of 6, she also began to take Piano Lessons, her teacher was Mrs. Toard, the outstanding musician at the Second Zion B.C. in New Orleans, Louisiana. By the time she was 11 years old, she rended her first Piano Recital, playing, Meditation, in the key of D Flat, (by memory).

 

In 1944 she was invited to come and sing a solo for the parent body of the National Baptist Congress (Dr. Boyd) in Detroit, Michigan. She appeared again in the Congress in 1945. In 1946, she sang in San Antonio, Texas for the Honorable Dr. P.S. Wilkerson's Church.

 

Elsie’s mother know as, Mother Richardson, took her 3 children to Church 'every Sunday' and her children had to participate in all activates of the Church. Elsie's talents made room for her, and she was often times the youngest participant in the Church Activities.

 

Mother Richardson would render service at the Old Folks Home, and Elsie played the songs, and sang, Joseph sang, and Leonard prayed. This was every first Sunday in the month for Years. Because of this ministry, this Family has been blessed in many ways. Elsie would still visit the Conversant Home, when called.

 

Elsie’s early education was in New Orleans, Louisiana. Her family moved to Los Angeles, when she was 15 years old. She continued her education, after high school graduation, she attended Los Angels City College for a short while. In 1955, she Married Arthur Copeland Sr. had 3 children. Arthur Jr., Antra O'nett, & Yalonda.

 

Arthur and Antra have since gone to their home in glory, the death of her two children were very difficult, but Elsie says, in spite of everything, "God is still Good".

 

In August, 1969, Elsie married Edward Howard Sr. To this union a son was born, Edward Howard Jr. Edward is an accomplish pianist who began his music ministry by his mother's instruction. He has attended South West Community College, U. S. C. Conservatory School of Music. And U-Banks School of Music.

 

Pastor Edward Howard Sr. pastored the Philippian B. C. for 20 successful years.

 

Yolanda Carol, Elsie’s youngest daughter, is a soprano, soloist, collage graduate, and a retired School Teacher. She is an assistant Director of Los Angeles Episcopal Chorale, and associated with other Church Ministries Directing Music and Choirs as well as an Invited Guest Soloist.

 

Elsie's Grand-Son, Arthur Copeland III another Musician, in the Family, plays the Drums and Piano. His Mom, Youlonda Copeland Morgan, is a very Faithful Daughter-in-law, who has supported this Family for many years to succeed in music ministry.

 

In 1984, the Richardson, Howard, and Copeland Family was presented in a Family Musical, shortly before the Lord called Arthur Copeland Jr., home.

 

Pastor Joseph Richardson, Elsie’s brother has always been an influence in Elsie's music career. Elsie began her God-Son, Professor Austin Howard Marks in music, teaching him Piano Lessons, and presented him in his first Piano Recital in 1989, what a gift from God, and now he is teaching at the same College that he Graduated from.

 

For Sixty Plus years this dedicated woman of God has been a Blessing to many Churches Ministry, Organist, Pianist, Funeral Homes, Soloist, Special Guest, Sunday School Teacher, Children's Choir, Pastor's Wife, and even a member and Musician, of the Mother's Board of Faith Community Church of Compton California, where Timothy Chambers is the Pastor. God is not through with her yet.

 

She is a Member of the Baptist Ministers Wives and Minister's Widow Union of Los Angeles, she is the Pianist for the 'Minister's Wives and Minister's Widows of Inglewood and Vicinity.

 

Her testimony is I must continue to be faithful until Jesus come. Thank God for my adopted daughter & mentor, Miss Lori Grace. My family, to help me. My son says "as Mom eclipse the age of 89, she is still learning, and practicing, because she wants to be better, for the LORD".