Mrs. Laurel Mae Howell

Laurel Mae Howell, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and aunt, died on June 23, 2026 after a brief illness. She was 93.

Born October 9, 1932, in St. Andrew, Jamaica, Laurel was the youngest child of Terence and Lily McMorris. She attended St. Andrew High School for girls in Kingston, Jamaica. Upon graduation, Laurel worked different secretarial jobs, before finding stability with Levy Brothers Ltd.

Laurel married Neville Cox on September 10, 1955. The two welcomed daughters Donna Louise in September of 1956 and Catherine Maree in March of 1961. Though the marriage came to an end in July of 1965, Laurel and her two daughters formed a formidable trio, whose connection and bond remained strong for decades to follow.

Always a person willing to adapt and take risks, Laurel decided to further her education by traveling to the United States to study Business and Office Management at the American Institute in Washington D.C. After two years away, Laurel returned to Jamaica and took up a new role at Levy Brothers Ltd. It was here, through a series of circuitous events, that she would meet Richard "Rick" Howell, an American from Ohio, who was seconded by Bell Electric to help the Levy's expand their business into electronics and televisions. After a brief whirlwind courtship, the two married on February 14th, 1966 and would remain very much in love until Rick's passing on February 23, 2003. Laurel and Rick's union created a blended family. Laurel warmly embraced the role of stepmother to Rick, Terri, Vikki, Vincent, and Kandi.

After eleven years of marriage, Laurel and Rick moved the family to North Lauderdale, Florida. She secured a position as a medical records clerk at the Ft. Lauderdale Hospital specializing in mental health and psychiatric care. Her time there inspired her to return to school and study nursing. She attended Atlantic Technical School, where she graduated as a Licensed Practical Nurse. She graduated at the age of 55 and worked for 20 years at Florida Medical Center.

Throughout a lifetime of schooling, employment, travel, and upheaval, the one constant was Laurel's complete devotion to her family. An incredible mother, a loving stepmother, an adoring grandmother, and a doting great-grandmother, Laurel's dedication to her family cultivated a family tree, which will continue to bear the fruit of her selflessness, devotion, and love.

Laurel is preceded in death by her parents, Terence and Lily McMorris, her siblings, Hyacinth, Clive, Horace, and Trevor, her much-loved in-laws, Cleveland and Louise Cox, husbands, Neville Cox and Richard Howell, and beloved daughter Catherine Maree (Kurt) Duncker. She is survived by her daughter Donna Louise (Leighton) Lindo, grandchildren, Philipa, Stephanie, Matthew, Christian, Stuart, and Sydney, great-grandchildren Yori, Karson, Kataleya, Amina, and Terrence; and many cherished family members and friends.

A Family and Friends Gathering will be held at Fred Hunter's Funeral Home, 2401 S University Drive, Davie, FL 33324, US, on July 18, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:00 am followed by a Celebration of Life Service at 11:00 am.

Inurnment will take place at Lauderdale Memorial Park, 2001 SW 4th Avenue, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33315, on July 18, 2026, from 1:30 pm to 2:00 pm.