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Obituary For Cecelia Sorice Howard "CeCe"
Cecelia S. Howard, 61, of Columbus, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 13, 2026, leaving behind a remarkable legacy of professional distinction, musical artistry, faith, and unconditional love.
Born in Greensboro, Georgia, to Creola Harris Howard and the late Edward B. Howard, Cecelia was raised in Columbus and graduated from Hardaway High School in 1983. A lifelong scholar, she earned a Bachelor of Science degree and a Master of Public Health Administration degree from Columbus State University, followed by a Juris Doctor degree from Georgia State University. She proudly served as Chief Assistant Solicitor General of Muscogee County, Georgia, and was affiliated with the Columbus Bar Association, Fountain City Bar Association, and formerly the Georgia Association of Women Lawyers.
Cecelia was a proud member of the Columbus, Georgia Al Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated. A devoted member of First African Baptist Church, she also shared her extraordinary musical gifts as Minister of Music at Carver Heights Presbyterian Church. A gifted musician and vocalist, she touched countless lives through her faith, talent, and vibrant spirit.
Known for her effervescent personality, infectious laughter, remarkable intellect, and generous heart, Cecelia had a rare ability to brighten every room and forge lasting connections. Her influence extended throughout the legal profession, church, sorority, and community.
She leaves to cherish her memory her mother, Creola H. Howard; sister, Cherie H. Elcock, and brother-in-law, Marco Elcock; brother, Corwin A. Howard; niece, Carrington Elcock; nephews, Darious Matthew Howard and Camden Edward Howard; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren; and numerous relatives and dear friends.
Ceceliaβs life was a beautiful symphony of service, sisterhood, faith, music, and love. Though her voice is now silent, her melody will forever resonate in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.
The Homegoing Celebration for Ms. Cecelia Howard "CeCe" will be held on Monday, October 19, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. at Fourth Street Missionary Baptist Church, with interment at Green Acres Cemetery. Service will be live-streamed (see clickable link below)
Visitation will be held at First African Baptist Church on Sunday beginning at 2:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m., with an Omega Omega Service beginning at 6:30 p.m.
I wanted to share that I have successfully arranged hotel accommodations for our out-of-town family members and guests who will be traveling to Columbus to celebrate the life and legacy of our beloved Cecelia Howard Hailes.
The hotel has confirmed a special discounted group rate for the Howard Hailes Family, and the reservation link is now available.
Please see the details below and feel free to share this information with any family members, friends, or guests who may need accommodations.
Hotel Accommodations
Hotel: AC Hotel Columbus Downtown, Georgia
Group Name: Howard Hailes Family, in Loving Memory of Cecelia Howard Hailes
Check-In: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Check-Out: Tuesday, October 20, 2026
Special Group Rate: $149.00 per night (plus applicable taxes and fees)
Reservation Link:
Book Your Discounted Hotel Room β Howard Hailes Family
Important Reservation Deadline
All reservations must be made by Friday, October 16, 2026.
After Friday, the reserved room block will close, and the special group rate may no longer be available.
Guests are strongly encouraged to make their reservations as soon as possible.
For Guests Who Prefer to Call:
Reservations may also be made by calling 1-888-236-2427.
When calling, guests must mention the group name "Howard Hailes Family" to receive the discounted rate.
Send flowers to the service of Cecelia Sorice Howard "CeCe"
Live Stream Links
Live stream linkServices
Homegoing Celebration
Condolences & Tributes
Add A Condolence
Soror Wanda Ridley planted 5 trees in memory of Cecelia Sorice Howard "CeCe" . - October 19, 2026
I was deeply saddened to hear about CeCe's passing. I will always cherish our time together at UGA, and those memories will continue to bring a smile to my face. I am grateful for the moments we shared in Delta. Wishing you comfort, strength, and peace in the days to come.
Sonya Williams-Harris
My sincere condolences and prayers for the Howard family. I pray your strength and comfort in this difficult time in your lives. Peace and Blessings!ππΎβ€οΈ
CeeCee sis thank you for being a true sister may you rest in paradise and keep a watch on us you left behind we Will always make you proud
Until we see each other again
GOD GOTCHA
Sending our sincere Condolences and Prayers to the Howard family and friends she will definitely be missed in our Community here in Columbus π·π·π·π·π·π·π·
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Cecelia, I first met you working at TMC. You were warm and welcoming. You will truly be missed and you are well Loved. Always.
I AM TRULY GOING TO MISS YOU. ESPECIALLY YOU SMILE IT MAKE EVERYONE APPROACHING YOU SMILE AND YOUR SINGING VOICE.. GONE TO SOON. MY CONDOLENCES TO THE FAMILY. CHPC
"The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart." βPsalm 34:18
To the Howard Family,
May God comfort and strengthen you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in my heart and prayers.
Rest peacefully, my dear friend. You are loved and deeply missed.
With love and heartfelt sympathy, Kathy Brown
The McCaskill Family sends our deepest condolences to family and friends of Cecilia Howard and wish you strength and blessings at this time. Cecilia was truly a light and a joy and we will miss her deeply.
The Sampson, Clemmons, and Hitchcock families send our deepest condolences and prayers to the Howard-Hailes family during this difficult time.
Deepest sympathy to the family she was a beautiful soul. You will be missed RIP sister
Prayers for comfort and strength to the family. CeCe had such a kind Loving Spirit
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My condolences and prayers to her family and friends... my your light and impact continue to reach others....
Sending my love and condolences The Family ππΎππΎ
I wish to extend deepest sympathy and prayers to the family and loved ones of Cecelia Sorice Howard "CeCe". "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty."- Psalm 91:1
Good evening, I am very sad about the passing of a phenomenal woman in all echelons. She was and is a true example of a classy women and distinguished citizen from Columbus, Georgia. You lived a distinguished life and helped many citizens in Columbus, Georgia, the state of Georgia and the United States of America. An excellent graduate of Hardaway High School class of 1983. A true born LEADER. You are TRULY an example of a 5 Star woman. I am truly hurt and devastated about your unexpected passing at an early age. God knows what is best and is still omnipotent and is always in control of all situations. You are transitioning into HEAVEN AFTER SUCCESSFUL WORK ON PLANET EARTH. I PRAY TO SEE YOU IN HEAVEN ONE DAY. MAY GOD CONTINUE TO BLESS YOU AND YOUR ENTIRE FAMILY MEMBERS WHOLEHEARTEDLY AND UNCONDITIONALLY IN THE MIGHTHY NAME OF JESUS. HE IS AN ONTIME GOD OH YES HE IS. YOU HAVE TRULY EARNED YOU PLACE IN HEAVEN AS AN ANGEL. LOVE YOU A TRUE CHRISTIAN SISTER IN CHRIST. TO GOD BE THE GLORY.
SINCERELY, CAPTAIN / DOCTOR BRYANT LAMAR THOMAS, MR. BRYANT NATHANIEL THOMAS AND LIL PEYTON FAYE LOUISE THOMAS & FAMILY.
REST IN PEACE SAINT.
I'm so sorry to hear about Cecelia's passing. She was such a kind and wonderfully talented person and she will be missed by all who came in contact with her. My deepest sympathy to the family.