NEWS

A memorial service for Cassandra "Sand" Alese Howard will be held Saturday, October 4 at Davidson Presbyterian Church, 214 Depot Street. Visitation is from 1:00 - 2:00 p.m., and the service begins at 2:00 p.m. Repast will be held in the church educational building immediately after the service.

Cassandra Alese Howard, affectionally known as “San,” was the second daughter of the late James and Dovie Howard. She was born in January 1955, and left this life on August 30, 2025, to return to the open arms of our Creator. San loved celebrating “Birthdays” and often threw impromptu birthday parties for her younger sister Beverly and also for Henry Myers and other family members on Catawba Road. During her later years after retiring from teaching due to her health, a friend helped Cassandra to write and print a colorful children’s book entitled Thank Goodness It’s Finally San’s Birthday!

After graduating from North Mecklenburg High School in 1973, San moved to Atlanta, Georgia, to attend Massey Business College to pursue a career in fashion. She later transferred to Georgia State University where she received her Bachelor’s degree in 1978 and a Master’s degree in education in 1982. As a kindergarten teacher in the Dekalb County School System, San’s career flourished. Over the next 20 years of teaching, San left a memorable impact on the lives of many students.

Cassandra is survived by her younger sister, Beverly H. Bailey of Stonecrest, Georgia; two aunts, Mrs. Bernice Houston of Davidson, North Carolina and Mrs. Ophelia Houston of Charlotte, North Carolina; one uncle, Mr. Gerald Potts of Cornelius, North Carolina; three special friends, Mrs. Alcia Carr Lattimore of Concord, North Carolina, Ms. Karol W. Matthews of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Mrs. Vivian Robinson of Dunwoody, Georgia; along with a host of cousins, family, and friends.