Lucy Janice Howard

Lucy Janice "Jan" Howard (Abernethy), 86, passed away on February 2, 2025, in Durham, North Carolina.  

Born on March 7, 1938, in Durham, Jan was a proud graduate of Durham High School, Class of 1956. She dedicated her career to serving the community through her work at the Durham Health Department before transitioning into mortgage banking and real estate.  

Jan’s life was filled with passions that brought her joy and connection. She had a deep love for Tennessee Walking Horses, owning and showing them with great pride. Her enthusiasm for Duke Athletics was unwavering, and she found immense happiness in crafting handmade Christmas ornaments as well as cross-stitching and needlepointing. Her compassion extended beyond people to animals—she was devoted to Yorkie Rescue. She remained actively involved in organizations such as Durham High Forever and the Durham Civitan Club, always staying connected to the community she cherished.  

Above all else, Jan will be remembered for her love of her family, the beach, Duke University, and her beloved hometown of Durham. She is survived by her husband, Larry Howard; her children, Jonathan Cade Jones of Durham, Jill Jones Yancey and her husband, Ed Yancey of Cary, and Kelly Christian Jones of Durham; and her grandchildren, Samantha Yancey, Ely Yancey, Jackson Yancey, Madeline Yancey, Audra Jones, and Everett Jones. She was predeceased by her first husband, Michael Jones as well as her parents, James Everett Abernethy and Dora Sandling Abernethy and her brother, Clinton "Buck" Abernethy.  

A memorial service will be held on March 22, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Hudson Funeral Home Chapel, located at 211 South Miami Blvd., Durham, North Carolina, 27703. A reception to follow Jan's memorial service will be held at Bethesda Ruritan Club, 1714 S. Miami Blvd. Durham, NC.  

Jan’s warmth and dedication to those she loved will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.

Donations in Jan's memory can be made to the Shriner's Hospital for Children.