Barbara Ann Howell

Barbara Ann Howell, 74, passed away peacefully on August 24, 2024, surrounded by her loving family, she had been dealing with significant medical issues for many years. Born in East St. Louis, IL, on March 16, 1950, Barbara was the daughter of George Winford Bridges and Norma Jean Bridges, who predeceased her.

Barbara spent her early years between Illinois and Kentucky, growing up alongside her sister, Nancy Bridges, they always remained in each others’ lives. From a young age, Barbara demonstrated a passion for learning and a remarkable talent for various pursuits. She played the flute, piano, and organ; she enjoyed horseback riding, one year she won a statewide competition as the fastest typist.

As an adult, Barbara’s love for life and work led her down diverse paths. Notably, she enjoyed a stint as a radio DJ before finding her true calling in the world of recruitment, including being a business owner and working across multiple industries. She made a lasting impact on all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with her.

It was her deep love for family that truly defined Barbara’s life. She eventually met the man she would spend the rest of her life with, Joe L Howell III, and the two were married in 1980 eventually settling down in the DC Metro area, living in both Virginia and Maryland.

Her kids recall that music was a constant in her home, with favorites like Neil Diamond and The Beach Boys filling the air. Barbara’s joy was complete when she was surrounded by her family, orchestrating gatherings for Christmas, tree trimmings, Redskins games—often accompanied by her chili, and family trips to the beach. She was the heart of her family and always ensured that everyone felt included, and loved.

For the past 25 years, Barbara and Joe shared their life together in Herndon, VA taking several memorable trips, including four visits to Hawaii, riding mopeds in Bermuda, taking helicopter tours, being surrounded by parrots, and creating many memories. In her later years, she enjoyed working outside in her garden, hosting the family, and taking care of their pets.

Barbara is survived by her sister, Nancy, and her husband of 43 years, Joe, along with their four children and three children-in-law: Chad and Carla Green, Heather Lynne, Andrea and Robert Doyle, and Shawn and Victoria Howell; eight grandchildren: Allyson, Mary-Ellen, Ashley, Rachel, Jonathan, Andrew, A.J., and Christina; her brother-in-law Chandler and Georgiann Howell and two nieces Elaina and Eva.

A memorial service to honor Barbara’s life will be held at Fairfax Church of Christ on Saturday, September 14 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Her family invites all who knew her to join in celebrating the life of a remarkable woman who touched so many lives with her warmth, love, and indomitable spirit.