Reverend George Howell

Reverend George Howell began his life’s journey on April 9, 1929, when he was born to Jessie James Howell and Clara Talley in Holly Springs, Mississippi. He kept the faith and finished his course on Sunday, January 2, 2022.

Reverend Howell came to Saginaw, Michigan in the ‘60s to obtain a job with General Motors (Chevrolet Grey Iron) where he was a member of UAW Local 668. He was a dedicated worker, retiring after 25 years of service. He was a very devoted and faithful member of New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church, where he was ordained a minister of the Gospel under the leadership of Pastor R.E. Donald. Reverend Howell continued to serve under Pastor Alfred Harris, Jr. following Pastor Donald’s retirement. Reverend Howell would often say “that young man can preach!” when referring to Pastor Harris.

Prior to Reverend Howell’s short illness, he enjoyed taking his daily stroll around Hoyt Park and Ojibway Island. He was a quiet man who would carefully consider what he would say before speaking. Susan, his stepdaughter and primary caregiver, who often referred to him as “Rev.” would say, he did not engage in idle conversation. He loved reading his Bible and attending church and Bible Study. He served in various capacities at New Mt. Calvary before being ordained a minister. Two of the songs he loved to sing were “Jesus is Alive and Well,” and “I Won’t Complain.”

Reverend Howell leaves to cherish his memory one son, Charles W. (Lorean) Williams, Memphis, Tennessee; one daughter, Chandra Howell, Saginaw, Michigan; five stepchildren, Erick J. Cooper, Flint, Michigan, Susan C. Addison, Saginaw, Michigan, Kirk M. Houze, Midland, Michigan, Drucilla K. Thomas, and Tina M. Houze, Saginaw, Michigan; special grandchildren, Chloe, Gina, Deandya, Jatima, Shardey and Adrianne; special great-grandchildren, Miles and Mylan, Breanna, Arielle, Araiah and Zuri; he also leaves a host of other grandchildren and great-grandchildren; four sisters, Sweetie B. Brown, Minnie Boyd, Nonnie M. Sims and Janie Faulkner; one sister-in-law, Mary C. Dunn; many other relatives and friends including very special friends, Pastor Emeritus Robert E. and Lady Melba Donald, Milan,Tennessee.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ernestine Howell, parents, Jessie James and Clara Talley Howell, brother, John Wesley Howell, and sister, Clara Lee Williams Hardaway.

The family would like to express special thanks to the 7th Floor Staff at Covenant HealthCare Harrison, Dr. Shazeb Khan, VA Nurses Association, Samaritas Senior Living Comfort Care, Pastor Alfred Harris, Jr., and the New Mt. Calvary Baptist Church family. We appreciate the cards, calls, texts, and all of the love and support from extended family and friends during our time of bereavement. A very special thank you to Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.


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