"Rest In Peace. I remember him from St. Mary?s CCD summer camp as ?Brother Chris? and his mother from growing up on East 4th St in Lakewood. Sympathy to his family on their loss"
In loving memory of
Irving C. Howell
December 12, 1950 - May 29, 2019
Reverend Irving C. Howell, affectionately known as "Chris" 68, transitioned peacefully on May 29, 2019 at his residence in Beachwood NJ.
Chris was born on December 12, 1950 in Lakewood NJ to the late Wilbert and Maybell Howell. He grew up in Lakewood where he attended Devine Word High School in Bordentown, where he was awarded the Bishop's Award for academic excellence. He continued his academics and went on to attend Seton Hall University, as a biology major. However, his love and aptitude for the science was overshadowed by the calling from God to serve others. He was certified at Cabrini Medical Center in Manhattan, NY in clinical pastoral care.
In addition to his bachelor's degree from Seton Hall, he received a master's in theology from Catholic University in Washington, DC. He was a part-time chaplain at Riverview Medical Center, in Red Bank, then he was appointed chaplain at Jersey Shore Medical Center.
While serving at Jersey Shore Medical Center he meets the love of his life Evelyn Marie Mathis. They joined together in holy matrimony on December 12, 1990. To this union they had two wonderful children Shakeyhia Marie Howell and Christopher Thoms Howell.
Later he became a Case Manager with the State of New Jersey Department of Youth and Family Services where he served 25 years before retiring in 2017. He was recognized for his dedication and unselfish devotion to New Jersey's waiting children, but his desire to serve others continued at the Ocean County Library in Beachwood.
To cherish his memories he leaves his beloved, devoted and beautiful wife of 30 years. His children, daughter in law, Stephanie, 3 grandchildren, Teyona, Elayna, and Julianna, his mother-in-law and late father-in-law, 4 sister-in laws, 4 brother-in-laws, host of nieces, nephews, friends including Walt Johnson and Doug Burns, and his ITM and St. Barnabas church families.
Some of his favorite sayings were, "Open your arms as we open to a new day" and "You can't make sense out of nonsense" He gave hope, inspiration and wisdom to all that he came in contact with and was often referred to as "Solomon"
Visitation will be Tuesday, June 4, 2019 from 9am to 10:30am at Horizon Funeral and Cremation Service. 1329 Route 37 West, Toms River. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00am , with interment immediately following at St. Mary of the Lake Cemetery, Lakewood.
Tributes
"Chris was a joy to work with and know. A true Genrleman! God Bless him and his entire family . Bob Ricci"
"Christopher (as I knew him) was a classmate at St. Mary's Academy, in Lakewood, NJ. It was 1961 and I was a Boarder. Sweet. Soft-spoken gentleman who understood my plight - newly arrived from Cuba, away from family, friends, anything familiar. He became my friend. By the time of 8th grade Graduation, he confided in me his desire to enter a Seminary. I told him it was a wonderful idea, because he was so kind and compassionate. I've been trying to find him by writing to the Trenton Diocese, didn't get a response. Dearest friend, you are surely in the Light. You were one."
"Chris was a special person. He was wise. He helped me when we has issues w my daughter & I thank God for his help. I pray the Lord shows him kindness. God has a Special Angel with him. Hope he watches over me. He will be greatly missed RIP CHRIS till we meet again. MARIA & RICK SONA."