WINSTON-SALEM August 11, 2018 Steven Michael Howell, 63, died unexpectedly on Saturday, August 11, 2018, at his home in Winston-Salem, NC. Steve was born August 11, 1955, in Bethesda, MD, to the late Swebston Sims Howell, Jr. and Stacia M. Howell. As a Navy child, he was able to experience life all over the world--Washington, DC, France, Japan, California, Maryland, and North Carolina. Following in his father's footsteps, he enlisted in the Navy at 17. Shortly after, he married Donna Howard Howell in 1975, with whom he would raise his two children, Alex and Marlowe. Steve served the US Navy as a photographer's mate for several tours in Norfolk, VA, and Pensacola, FL. In July 1977, he attended the cinema program at the University of Southern California. Notable assignments during his enlisted tour included Beirut, Lebanon, and Sigonella, Sicily. In 1987, he was commissioned as an officer and served in an F-14 squadron in Oceana, VA, followed by duty stations in Norfolk and San Diego. In May 1995, he retired as a lieutenant after 22 years of military service. He spent his post-Navy years in High Point, NC, doing what he loved--working alongside his father at their shared business (Filmedia), spending time with his family, and playing music with his friends. In 2002, he was able to turn his passion for music into a job as the manager of Jackson's Music in Winston-Salem, NC, where he worked until he retired in 2016. He spent his last few years of retirement living his dream--watching all his favorite tv shows and movies, keeping the birds and chickens fed, gardening, reading book after book, sharing his musical tastes with any and all who would listen, and, of course, being a devoted partner to Mary Jac. Steve was a kind and loving soul who touched many through his music. Steve is survived by his partner, Mary Jac Brennan; two children; Alex and Marlowe; three sisters; Susan Huffman, Sandra Butler, and Sharon Kerner; and one cat, Mamaw's Good Boy. Services will be held Friday, August 17, 2018, at Green Street United Methodist Church, 639 S. Green Street in Winston-Salem, NC. The family will receive friends at 2:00 pm and the service of celebration will follow at 3:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Music Maker Relief Fund, P.O. Box 1358, Hillsborough, North Carolina, 27278 or a charity of one's choice. Condolences may be sent to the family online on Steve's tribute page at www.cumbyfuneral.com.

The Winston Salem Journal August 15, 2018