Joseph Henry Howell was born in Suffolk, Virginia on July 1, 1935 to Mary Hunter. He was lovingly adopted and raised by Talmadge and Lucy Howell.

Joe was educated in the Baltimore City Public School System and eventually graduated from Paul Lawrence Dunbar High School in 1953. He worked as a butcher for 10 years, then was employed by Baltimore Hydraulics Company until retirement. He later was employed by Toys R Us as a stock person for a year and then employed by Mattos Paint Company for 4 years.

Those that knew Joe will always remember him for his songs such as Laa- Taa-Dii-Laa- Taa-Daa and Hot Dogs and Onion Gravy. Joe was a very outspoken individual and always meant what he said. Joe would also be remembered for his trunk full of Dubble Bubble Gum. Joe always had a listening ear to those who came to him for advice. To most he was Joe, but to his grandkids he was and will always be "Grandpop is King."

Joe enjoyed playing cards with friends, traveling, eating candy, drinking Pepsi and coffee. He loved to sit on the porch talking with neighbors and the young fellas in the neighborhood. The best part of his day was having the sun shine on his face. He truly lived a life he didn't regret.

He will be sorely missed by family and friends alike.

Joe leaves to cherish his memory; his wife, Annette Howell, three daughters Gwen Samuel (Richard), Denise Byrd (Rodell), and Jocelyn Howell-Reece (Howard); one son Robert V. Howell. One brother Donald Holbrook, two sisters Theresa Jordan and Belinda Hudson. Seven grandchildren Argynell Samuel-Kenan, Kevin Ross (deceased), Jamie Dunn, Tredia Howell, Taurean Howell, Maliik Small and Anton Small. Ten great grandchildren Tahiir, Stacia, Danika, Jordan, Jazmine, A'Diva, King, Kimya, Jada, and Aiden and a host of extended family and close friends.