Johnnie Hosea Howell

Johnnie Hosea Howell Sr., son of the late Stella Lucas Howell & Albert L. Howell was born on October 8, 1950 in Plymouth, NC. He departed this life on November 30, 2011 after a lengthy illness at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center in Baltimore. He was preceded in death by his wife of 17 years, Jackie Howell who was called home in September of this year. Johnnie received his education through Baltimore City Public schools system. Soon after graduating from high school, he joined the US Coast Guard. There he served over 22 years, retiring in 1993 as a Chief Machinist Technician, an officer. This was truly a great accomplishment for the quiet, soft spoken, easy going and fun loving Johnnie. He traveled around the world and visited places most people on dream of seeing. He loved to share his stores and exploits of his travels. After retiring from the military, Johnnie continued his career and helpful ways. Because of his love to work on engines, he attended and graduated from Lincoln Technical Institute School of Automotive Technology. He also served on the school’s Scholarship Committee. Johnnie was employed over the past 12 years by Advance Auto Parts Store until his illness. People would pass by other stores just to go by Johnnie’s. He had and unending knowledge of automobiles. He would diagnose your problem, tell you what part you needed, and sometimes help you pay for the part. His hard work and dedication paved his way to become store manager but he gave it up to spend more time with his wife after she became ill. He had a caring personality and willingness to help and guide all who came in contact with him. Johnnie was truly a gentleman in every sense of the word. He had a fun-loving spirit and passionate makeup. He was a proud, loving and wonderful father. He loved to socialize and have fun with his family and friends. He had a deep rooted passion for fishing and playing cards. His infectious smile showing all of his natural teeth and his unique laugh was contagious and will be sorely missed. Johnnie’s legacy will be cherished by: his three children, Johnnie ‘Booda’ Howell Jr., Sharnta Howell and Jamel Howell; three brothers, Albert Howell Jr. and Curtis Howell of Baltimore, MD and Eddie Howell of San Antonio, TX; three sisters-in-law, Darlene Howell, Antoinette Howell and Phyllis Howell; daughter in law, April Howell; four nieces, Stephanie, Trina, Fa’lice and Brandy; two nephews, Albert ‘Big Man’ Howell III and Derrick Howell; seven grandchildren, Devin, Ciera, Tashanna, Jonae, Jalen, Ja’Niyah, and Ja’Khia Howell, and a host of loving cousins, other relatives and longtime friends. I know you look down and wonder why we cry…it’s just because our hearts still in pain because we had to say goodbye… and though our pain may not ever end, we live to tell the story about the life of our best friend…. We watched how strong you were when momma and Jackie preceded you in death…. But still you gave your strength to us and did your very best… you’ve always been an encouraging man, the strongest ever seen….. So this is why you see us cry…wishing this was a dream. I guess you didn’t really know that you were my hero, you everything I’d like to be…and if I could fly as high as an eagle… I want you to know… YOU are the wind beneath my wings. LOVE YOU ALWAYS, April & Booda

Tributes

Johnnie Hosea Howell

October 8, 1950 - November 30, 2011