Johnnie Howard AKA “Big J” was born July 18 1948 to Odessa Benson and John Trice in Cairo Illinois. She grew up in Muskegon, Michigan. At 17 years old she moved to Chicago Illinois. She worked in housekeeping then eventually became a cook (which everyone enjoyed her cooking). She cooked for nursing homes, different restaurant, family and friends she became a resident of Elyria Ohio in 1976 where she made her life and home until 1990, she then moved and married Albert L Howard December 25 1990. She got her GED in 1993 and attended Jordon College in Benton Harbor Michigan for one year. She moved back to Elyria in 1995.
Everyone that knows “Big J” knows she was loving, caring, and compassionate person, if you were hungry she would feed you, if you were homeless she would have a place for you to lay your head, she was/is loved by many from different walks of life, she was a joy to be around and had a story and life lessen for any situation that may have been going through.
Johnnie leaves to cherish her memories two (2) daughters Arleana (Greg) Brown of WCH, Ohio and Tameaka (Melvin) West of Elyria, Three (3) siblings Tommy (Cheryl) Trice and Willie Trice (brothers) both of Elyria, May Lois (sister) of Columbus Ohio Seven (7) step children Kendall (Cantrell) Mitchell, Tresia McFolley , Algeetha Howard , Latonya Jordan, Raymond Mcfolley, Quentin Howard, Tevin Jackson. Five (5) grandchildren Tiffany Payne, Ricky Payne, Tyrone Smith Jr, Tyrina Smith and Israel West. Two (2) great grandchildren Ethan Cervera and Camden Martin.
Preceded in death; Albert Howard (Husband), John Trice (Father), Odessa Benson (Mother), Leland Trice Sr and Robert Trice (Brother) and Arleana Benson and Rosemary Trice (Sisters), also lifelong friend, Grace Lee Milton.
Family and Friends may be received on Wednesday, April 21, 2021 in the Carter Funeral Home/ Chapel, 3001 Elyria Ave. Walk-Thru will be begin at 11:00 AM. until 12:00 Noon and the "Celebration of Life" will begin at 12:00 Noon. Please wear a mask and social distance.
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