Julia Ann Howell was born the second of three children to Homer and Ethel Ball on Nov. 22, 1953, in Troy, Mo. Julia attended and graduated from Wright City High School in 1972. She went on to attend classes at Hannibal-LaGrange University.
Early in her life, Julia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. She was an active member of several churches in the St. Louis metropolitan area, because she loved to meet new people and move around.
In 1976, Julia married Chester Jackson, and to that union her beloved daughter Tina Jackson was born. Julia literally and figuratively worshiped the ground that Tina walked on. Tina was her world and her everything. Tina and Julia were best friends and confidants.
In 2017, Tina made Julia’s dream of becoming a grandmother a reality. The birth of her first granddaughter and namesake, Sabrina Ann Byrd, was the happiest moment of her life. Julia spent the past three years doting over Sabrina. Anyone who knew Julia knew about Sabrina. At a young age, Sabrina crowned Julia as “MeMaw” and she wore that title proudly.
Julia was married again in 1985 to Edmond Maurice Howell, who preceded her in death in 1996. Julia was an active member in the community as a director at the Webster Groves YMCA. She offered programs for the children of North Webster and truly enjoyed being around all of her “kids.” Up until her death, she kept in touch with her now-adult “kids.” She explored a few other career paths, but nothing ever satisfied her passion like working with her “kids” did.
Julia’s laughter was contagious, her smile was bright, and she had an interesting sense of humor that will never be forgotten. Julia leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter, Tina M. Jackson; parents, Ethel M. Ball and Homer J. Ball Sr.; one sister, Vonnie Carter (Tim); one brother, Homer J. Ball Jr.; one granddaughter, Sabrina Ann Byrd; and many nieces nephews, cousins and a host of friends, and let’s not forget her “kids.”
Julia’s service was held at the Williams-James Mortuary Chapel in St. Louis on July 8.
