GREENVILLE, Mississippi - Music Maestro and retired elementary school teacher, Charles Edward Howell, departed to his heavenly home Wednesday, September 3, 2025 at the age of 83 in Greenville. He was the 4th child born to the late Leonard Howell and Ella T. Dogan Howell, April 20, 1942, in New Albany.
He began his music journey at the age of 12. His training included many genres; classical, gospel, hymns, and spirituals. He shared his gift as a well known musician. After graduation from Rust College in Holly Springs with a degree in Music Education in 1964, Charles began teaching elementary school in Rosedale. He taught for a short period at Manning Elementary, Greenville Nugent Center Elementary and high school in Benoit. He finished his teaching career at South Delta Elementary School in Rolling Fork from 1976 - 2002 before his retirement.
His music ministry led him to serve in many churches as their musician in the Greenville area. He played for the Sacred Heart Catholic Church for 47 years; St. Matthews AME Church; St. Joseph Catholic Church and Mercy Seat Baptist Church, all of Greenville, MS; First Baptist Church in Mound Bayou, MS for over 50 years. Charles united with New Hope First Baptist Church, Greenville under the leadership of Pastor J.M. Kimble, September 11, 1966, where he became the musician for both the adult and youth choirs and remained faithful until his passing.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Leonard Howell and Ella T. Dogan Howell; siblings, Cottrell Delano Howell and Roland Hayes Howell; nieces, Jacqueline Howell Robinson, Felicia Alicia Howell and Amber Faith Singleton.
His memory will live on through his sisters, Anna L. Turner, Myrtle, and Carolynese Campbell, Wichita Falls, Texas; brother, Lee Russell Howell (Ann), New Albany; sister-in-law, Shirley Wade Howell, New Albany; an abundance of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family, friends, and the church family he dearly loved.
Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 11, 2025 at 2 p.m. at New Hope First Baptist Church, Greenville and Saturday, September 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. at Zion Chapel Baptist Church, New Albany.
Body will be at the church two hours prior to services for viewing.
