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Howey, John Odell, Sr., 102, transitioned on Tuesday, May 23, 2017, in the arms of his youngest child, Rita and surrounded by love. He was born the second of nine children on December 8, 1914 in Lancaster County, SC to the late John & Margaret Howey. John was educated in the school system of Charlotte, NC. In 1934 John met the love of his life, the former Norma Aretha Washington (deceased) they were married in 1935. Through this 65 year union, 7 children were born; John Jr. (Grace), Raymond Sr. (Christine), Mary (Leonard, Sr.), Norma (Charles), Henry, Deloris (James) and Rita and many more loved and cared for including adopted daughter Jewel and foster son Joseph. The family lived in Richmond, Virginia, Portsmouth, Virginia and Jacksonville, Florida. While in Virginia, John attended Virginia Union University where he studied to be a Deacon. John became a deacon at Fourth Baptist Church in Richmond, Virginia in 1964 and continued to serve as a Deacon at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church from 1967 until 2012, when he became a Deacon Emeritus. John retired from CSX Railroad in 1980. He leaves a rich legacy as a husband, father, church leader and community servant. He served in various organizations such as Live Long and Like It, Florida Trial Lawyers Association and Florida Consumer Action Network. He was appointed by former Mayor Tommy Hazouri to the City of Jacksonville Commission on Aging and received various awards from Mayor Hazouri, Mayor Austin and most recently received the Lifetime Service Award from President Barack Obama. He was truly a man of character, integrity and service, but most of all he was a man who loved and provided for his family. He was Grandpa to 19 grandchildren, Great- Grandpa to 26 Great-Grandchildren and Great-Great Grandpa to 8 Great-Great grandchildren. The viewing services will be held on Monday, May 29 from 5-7pm at Funerals by T.S. Warden (4315 North Main Street, Jacksonville, FL 32206). The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, May 30 at 11am at Bethel Baptist Institutional Church (215 Bethel Baptist Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202). Interment immediately following at Oaklawn Cemetery.

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