Mrs. Doris Weaver Howard. 90, of Fayetteville, NC died on October 8, 2016. She is survived by her brother, Clyde Weaver, Jr. and her niece, Doris Lynn Newsome and nephew William Tillman Weaver; the two grandchildren of her dearest late friend Harriet, William and Ashley Underwood and their mother, Karen; and her three constant friends throughout the years, Phyllis Luck and Rita Wiggs and Virginia McCaskill. She is preceded in death by her husband, Lester Howard.

Following her graduation from Coker College in 1947, the Timmonsville, SC native began a 41-year teaching and coaching career in Cumberland County. During her career, she coached basketball, softball, tennis and track and field. She was the first Cumberland County inductee into the North Carolina High School Athletic Association Hall of Fame and an inaugural member of the Fayetteville Sports Club Hall of Fame. The North Carolina High School Athletic Association recognized Coach Howard in 1986 as the Female Coach Contributing Most to High School Athletics in North Carolina and with the Distinguished Service Award in 1989. The United States Tennis Association recognized her in 1986 for Outstanding Contributions to the USTA School Programs. Her coaching stints included Hope Mills, Central and Cape Fear High Schools. Her basketball coaching record was 533-231 and she twice coached in the East-West All-Star game. Her softball team won the 1978 State Championship and reached the championship game on two other occasions. The Cape Fear High School softball field is named in her honor. One reporter called her softball program the "Notre Dame of North Carolina high school softball." Coach Howard was a beloved educator and coach and her impact on players and students is reflected in their lives today.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, October 13, 2016, at 2 pm in Jernigan Warren Chapel with Dr. Connie Brooks presiding. The burial will follow at Cross Creek Cemetery.

The family will receive friends Wednesday evening from 6 to 8 pm at Jernigan Warren.