Derek A. Howell, Jr.

On Tuesday, June 23, 2020 Derek Augustus Howell, Jr., 31, entered into eternal rest and received his angel wings.

Derek was born in Brooklyn, NY on September 18, 1988 to Natasha Howell & Derek A. Howell, Sr. He was diagnosed with autism at an early age.  According to the Doctors the odds were against him, but with the prayers of his grandmother, Delores Peterson, Derek succeeded all expectations. He was raised and educated in Virginia Beach, VA and graduated from Tallwood High School in 2008. After graduation, Derek worked as a Busboy for Virginia Wesleyan College for 10 years.

Derek had a special bond with his grandmother and she truly loved him dearly. We found comfort in knowing that she opened her wings and took him in. He truly missed his Grandma Delores when she passed away and was often caught saying, “I miss grandma.” Derek who was also referred to by his family as “DJ”, enjoyed collecting DVDs & playing video games.

Derek was predeceased by his grandparents, Delores Peterson, Jeri I. Davis and Willie B. Howell.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his parents, Natasha N. Howell, Derek A. Howell Sr.; siblings, Raquel Hosten, Porstia Howell, Andre Hedgespeth, Michael Howell, De’Andre Hedgespeth; grandfather, Norman E. Peterson; an aunt & uncle who he had a very special bond with, Camilla “Renee” Howell & Jermaine E. Peterson (Araina); aunts & uncles, Monica Kelly, Norman Kelly, Alonzo Garcia; nieces & nephews, Ahonesty Johnson, Samir Rowe and a host of other relatives and friends.

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