Sheletha Ann Howard

Sheletha Ann Howard, 58, of Etters, PA unexpectedly passed away at UPMC Harrisburg Hospital with her family by her side on January 26, 2026. Born on April 26, 1967, in New Orleans, LA to Paul Fernandez Jr. and the late Gerald Mae (Petes) Fernandez. Sheletha was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

At an early age, Sheletha accepted Christ, was baptized, and became a parishioner of St. David Catholic Church. Sheletha was a 1985 graduate of Xavier University Preparatory School. After High School, she worked as a clerk at Charity Hospital until meeting the love of her life, Devin at a Military Ball in 1987. They were wed 2 years later on April 22, 1989. After their marriage in 1989, Devins service as an active-duty Marine led them to relocate multiple times until they established their permanent home in Pennsylvania in 2001.

Sheletha was a devoted member of Shiloh C.O.G.I.C, in Harrisburg, PA where she served on the Usher Board, Hospitality Board, Vacation Bible School, and the church Cleaning Ministry. Additionally, she attended Sunday School and Bible Study. Sheletha remained committed to lifelong learning through her doctorate studies with Elder Henderson and attending the Prayer line multiple times a week. She was also an active member of the “Retired Sisters Group” where they met on a monthly basis for lunch.

She deeply loved and cherished her grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Nothing brought her more joy than their laughter, their milestones, and the simple moments spent together. She celebrated each of them with pride, poured wisdom and kindness into their lives, and embraced every opportunity to make memories with them. To her, being a grandmother was one of her greatest blessings, and the love she shared with her grandbabies will remain a treasured part of her legacy.

Sheletha is survived by her devoted husband of 37 years, Devin Howard Sr.; and her loving children: Dominique Howard of Mechanicsburg, PA; Devin Howard Jr.; DeJaNae Fernandez of York; DeJohn Fernandez of Enola; Aireion Brown of Etters; Princess Fernandez of Dillsburg; and her bonus-daughter Angelica Medina, of Enola, PA. She was the proud grandmother of her cherished grandsons Zaiden, Adrian, Deagan, Dhane, Zayvion, Kamel, and Amias.

She is also survived by father, Paul Fernandez Jr. of New Orleans, LA; her sister, Antoinette Fernandez of New Orleans, LA; her brother, Blaise Fernandez of New Orleans; her nephew, Ronald Smith Jr.; and her niece, Rachelle Fernandez. Sheletha was additionally blessed with her godfather, Clifton Weaver Sr., as well as a host of aunts, uncles, cousins, great-nieces and nephews, and friends—each of whom was touched by her love and kindness.

In addition to her mother, Sheletha is preceded in death by her sister, Aireanne Fernandez, formerly of New Orleans, LA; grandparents Elton and Florence Petes, formerly of New Orleans, LA; and Helen and Paul Fernandez Sr, formerly of Donaldsonville, LA.