Our beloved wife and mother, JoeElla Jones Howard fell asleep in death on Thursday, July 18, 2024 at the age of 84. JoeElla was born on June 25, 1940 in Jackson MS to the late Fines Jones and the late Deveda Grayson Johnson. She is predeceased by her stepfather Joseph Johnson, stepmother Nina Jones, sister Deveda Thomas, and brother Milton Grayson. 
In 1968 she married Denwood Marvin Howard and together they raised their three children in Philadelphia and later Altoona PA. Growing up in an era of segregation and unjust civil liberties sparked in JoeElla a yearning for justice for all and she spent many years advocating for civil rights.  Denwood and JoeElla along with their family later moved to Danbury CT where she started studying the Bible with Jehovah’s Witnesses and realized that God’s Kingdom is the only solution to injustice. On June 28, 1986, JoeElla became a dedicated Jehovah’s Witness and spent many hours throughout her life sharing what she had learned with others.
JoeElla is survived by her beloved husband, Denwood Marvin Howard and her three children Richard, La Sandra, and Starrlene. Her grandchildren Kasema, Reashard, Denwood (Heather), and Lynette. Her great grandchildren Brock, Justin, Garrett, Jillian, and Sia. She is also survived by her brother Silas Jones, her sister in law Mary Green as well as her brother in laws Arthur Howard and Leon Jackson as well as a host of nieces and nephews.
A viewing will be held at Gladfelter Funeral Home Inc. 822 E Market St, York, PA 17403 Tuesday August 6, 2024 at 10 a.m. to 12 noon. Burial will be held at Greenmount Cemetery, 721 Carlisle Ave, York, PA 17404 immediately following the viewing.