Steven Marvin Howell

Steven “Steve” Marvin Howell of Morehead City passed away peacefully on December 24, 2021. He was born September 20, 1949 in Nash County to the late Jesse Marvin Howell and Juanita Bloodworth Howell of Rocky Mount. He was also preceded in death by his wife, Deborah Winters Howell (October 26, 2016); they were married for 46 years. He is survived by his two sons, Jonathan Howell (Kristal) of Boone and David Howell (Meredith) of Raleigh; grandchildren Chloe and Sophie Howell of Boone who called him Ay-Day; brothers Stanley Howell of Harkers Island and Philip Howell (Karol) of Pamlico County; sister-in-law Linda Ennis of Rocky Mount; one niece and numerous nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews.

Steve grew up in Rocky Mount as a Christian and was a member of Englewood Baptist Church. He graduated from Northern Nash High School in 1969 and studied Computer Science at Edgecombe Community College. In 1969, he married the late Deborah Winters Howell. Together, they formed Howell’s Antiques and Cheap Thrills Jewelry. They conducted business in various stores and malls across the entire state, specializing in glass, linens, Victorian furniture, collectibles, and costume jewelry. His ultimate passion was restoring antique telephones to museum quality and was known as one of the world’s best. Over his life, he held over 35 jobs, however, he spent a majority of his career working for Carolina Telephone Company, formerly a subsidiary of Sprint and later Embarq.

Steve was also a master craftsman and could fix or build anything. Considered to be one of the most dependable, hard-working men you would ever meet, he often accomplished the impossible as a single worker. He put others before himself and was always willing to lend a hand. From power lines and underneath city streets to personal homes and large fields of grass, his work and craftsmanship is widespread across eastern North Carolina.

Outside of work, Steve enjoyed the study of birds. In 2020, he beat a long-standing record of the most species seen in North Carolina in one year’s time. He was enthusiastic about anything placed in front of him and enjoyed the world for all that it had to offer. Although a quiet man at first glance, Steven was knowledgeable, conversational, and a comedian at heart. He was comfortable in his own skin. He was unique in many ways and did things the way he wanted to. He challenged the norm and was a critical thinker and an analyst. He rarely showed shame or regret; he was honest. And finally, at times, was emotional and never shied away from shedding a tear in front of others.

Steve spent the last 5 years residing in Morehead City where he and his girlfriend, Donna Mullen of Newport, enjoyed the local seafood, grilled meals on their back patios, walked the sandy beaches, and traveled throughout the state that they so loved.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Steve’s life will be held on Thursday, December 30, 2021 at 11:00 AM in the Chapel of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services. Burial will follow the service at Rocky Mount Memorial Park. Visitation with the family will be from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM prior to the service in the Atrium of Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home.

The family would like to express their deep appreciation for the care provided during the last few months to Donna Mullen, to Lady the Cocker Spaniel for her warmth, and more recently, to the New Hanover Regional Medical Center doctors and staff.

In memory of Steve, he would tell you to get outside, take in the fresh air, go for a walk, observe your surroundings, and enjoy the sights, smells, colors of nature. There is nothing more giving and beautiful than what’s outside your doors.

Flowers are welcome.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.