Donald Louis Howell, Sr.

On May 25, 2017 Donald L. Howell Sr. transitioned to his heavenly home joining his parents Edith West (Henry “Tel” West- stepfather) and Vincent Richards.  Donald was born April 27, 1948 in Manhattan, New York, but later moved with his mother to Suffolk, Virginia. On September 23, 1970, Donald married the lovely Janice Dorenda Bemory of Suffolk, Virginia.  Throughout the years he was a dedicated and loving husband, proud father of two children (Donald Louis Jr, and Scott Michael) and an outstanding grandfather of one (Ariel N.). Donald was a member of the first graduating class of John F. Kennedy High School in 1966.  He worked at the Norfolk Naval Shipyard until he enlisted into the army in 1968.  During his three years of service, Donald received several awards: National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with device, two Oversea Bars, Vietnam Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Sharpshooter and Expert Awards.  Donald also worked for the U.S. Postal Service, Norfolk Naval Shipyard, and was a New York Life Insurance Underwriter. Donald was a faithful member of Pleasant Union Baptist Church and served as a Jr. Trustee until he decided to follow his mother’s footsteps by joining Tabernacle Christian Church. Early on Donald captured the importance of positive role modeling and betterment for our black male population. With the support of Bishop Carlton Upton, Sr. and Dr. Robert Hobbs opening their church doors, and other volunteers, Donald was able to assist young men in obtaining Identification cards, diplomas, housing and jobs.  He was also instrumental in aiding them to transitioning them back into society through the “Better Men Coalition” program.   He was willing to share his time, wisdom, experience and love to most people that he met. Donald left a loving impression on those that he has left. Not only is Donald joining his parents he is also joining his brother, Michael, and his grandparents whom he loved dearly, Mary Howell-Mayfield and George Mayfield.  Donald was a devoted grandson, son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, great uncle and friend to many.  Those left to cherish his memory are his loving and devoted wife of 46 years, Janice; his two sons Donald “Donnie” Jr. of Washington DC, Scott, one grandchild Ariel all of Suffolk, Virginia; his close and loving two sisters Betty Twitty (LeVin) and Linda Diane West; his sister Annette Richards; his brothers LTC (R) Ronald Richards (Roz) of Dallas, Texas and LTC (R) Wayne Richards (Sabrina) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; a special cousin Brenda Barnes; his four special sisters in law Marion Wright of Suffolk, Virginia, Carol Diggs (Reverend Henry) of Portsmouth, Virginia, Allie Colbert of Brooklyn, New York, and Mary Duncan of Yonkers, New York; his uncles, Otis and George Richards of Suffolk, Virginia;  his two special and close childhood friends Thomas Lee Montgomery and Charles Phillips both of Suffolk, Virginia; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Donald will be greatly missed by all whose lives he  touched.  God has welcomed his gentle giant of an angel into his heavenly gates.A visitation with family will be held 6-7 p.m. Wednesday, May 31, 2017 in the Melvin J. Blowe Chapel of Crocker Funeral Home. A celebration of life will be held 11 a.m. Thursday, June 1, 2017 at Metropolitan Baptist Church, 125 County Street, Suffolk, Virginia. He will be laid to rest in Albert G. Horton, Jr. Memorial Veterans Cemetery. Professional services with dignity have been entrusted to Crocker Funeral Home, Inc. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Donald Louis Howell, Sr., please visit our flower store.