Jessica L. Howard

Jessica Louise Howard (Jai) was born September 23,1942 in Monroe, LA to parents Jesse and Louise Howard. Jai passed peacefully February 3, 2025 at Swedish hospital in Seattle, WA. Jai lived and attended schools in Monroe as an only child for several years. She and her mother often lived with maternal grandparents Lewis and Grace Tillman while her father served in the US Army and was stationed at the then Fort Lewis Base in Washington. During this time, Jai had many cousins in Monroe as playmates. Her first sibling, Grace was born when Jai was 10 years old. Cynthia and Jesse III followed a few years later. The family moved to Seattle in 1959 after her father had spent time during his military career here and liked the area. Jai continued her education in Seattle, and graduated as a proud Garfield Bulldog in 1960. The family moved to Berkeley, CA in 1965 for one year due to her father's employment. The family returned to Seattle the following year, while Jai remained in California to continue her education and worked at jobs involving children. During her time in Berkeley, Jai met Lewis Norvell and the two formed a loving significant relationship. Jai played professional table tennis, earning quite a trophy collection. She additionally developed an interest in sports cars, trendy fashion and music; primarily Soul and R&B.

In 1974, Jai completed an RN degree in Nursing. From this time, she began what would be an over 40 year career in nursing, caring for the sickest and most vulnerable children receiving care in Berkeley and at Children's Hospital and Medical Center after her return to Seattle. Nurse Jai was the requested caregiver by parents and children during their stay at the hospital. 

Prior to returning to Seattle, Jai had a chance meeting with Pat Wright and the Total Experience Gospel Choir, when the choir traveled to the Bay Area. Jai's sister, Cynthia was a member of the choir, and in 1973 introduced the two. The rest is herstory. Jai sang, traveled, played drums and a mean tambourine in the choir from the early 1970s until the choir disbanded in 2018. The friendship and sisterhood between Jai and Pat lasted for the remainder of their lives. Jai had many fond memories and stories of friendships, and of choir travels to 38 states, 22 countries, singing for Presidents Clinton and Obama, as well as with many top name gospel and folk music artists. Over the years Jai created an extensive collection of mementos that remains to this day. Certainly one of her greatest joys was Jai welcoming into her heart, home, and our family, Steve Thompson, a youth singing in the choir. This was an important part of our loving family story. 

Jai is preceeded in death by parents Jesse and Louise Howard, Grandparents Lewis and Grace Tillman and Jesse and Beatrice Howard, several aunts, uncles, cousins and significant other Lewis Norvell. 

Jai is survived by son Steve (Monica), Lewis Norvell Jr; grandchildren Kiascha, KeChar, KiVon, and Daleceana; siblings Grace, Cynthia (Greg), and Jesse III (Janet); nieces Daniella, Amorita, and Sharhonda, nephews Jason and Brandon; and many endeared relatives and friends.

Thank you all for your prayers, support and love, including Jai's nightly FaceTime calls from cousin Phyllis in Michigan.  

Much love to you Jai; a mother, grandmother, sister, aunt, cousin, friend and nurse. You will be in our hearts forever. 

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