Hilder Bert Howell

While it is possible to receive good counsel from a wide circle of family and friends, few could do it with the skill and aptitude of Hilder Bert Howell. He had a true talent for helping others reach their full potential and brought out the best in those who sought his help. Hilder was a forward-looking man whose personality was filled with empathy toward everyone he met. He could be quiet and reserved, but his style of communication was authentic and direct. An excellent communicator, Hilder was a master at using imagery when he explained his ideas and concepts. He seemed to have an endless supply of innovative concepts and strategies for how to help those around him. His sensitivity, kindness and generous attitude made him a wonderful friend for all who knew him.

From the time he was born on December 20, 1945, Hilder showed a deep concern for others. He was a giving and caring individual, ethical and full of integrity and warmth. Hilder came into this world at Grace Hospital in Morganton, North Carolina. His parents were Burke Howell and Frances P Howell. Hilder was raised in Morganton, North Carolina.

As a young boy, Hilder interacted well with other children. He was helpful. He was an independent person who had a vivid imagination. Hilder had a number of interests in his youth. He was an active child. Hilder took part in basketball, football, baseball. He was a member of the Chorus Chior and NAACP. In his spare time he liked comic books.

A good student who was enthusiastic about learning, Hilder was considered by many to be a high achiever. He graduated from Olive Hill High School in 1964. He enjoyed some classes more than others, having favorite courses and teachers. His favorite class in high school was History.

Hilder's talents in writing proved to be an asset for him during his college years. He excelled in classes, even in some subjects that didn’t particularly interest him. Hilder became known to his peers as a seeker of wisdom who appreciated all types of courses, especially those in Liberal Arts which allowed him to build on his remarkable retention of general knowledge. He earned his Associates in Business at Western Piedmont Community College in 1972. Hilder was a member of the Drama Club and Student Government.

Able to maintain a positive focus on the potential good to be found in others, Hilder was always ready with solid advice and guidance to offer his group of friends. He was generally friendly to all who knew him, yet to some he seemed quite independent. For those who really knew Hilder, they recognized that he could be full of surprises. Hilder enjoyed a small but solid group of true friends. He would willingly support those friends when they needed it. Because of his ability to read people, he had an uncanny knack for knowing when a friend needed help. While growing up, some of his best friends were Robert Carter, Harold Carter, Gene Houpe and David Hamilton. Later in life, he became friends with Herbert McDowell, Richard Largent, Robert Carter & Moose Hayden.

All who knew him would agree that there was a certain kind of magic in how Hilder was able to bond with his children. While he could be a firm disciplinarian, he could also fill the role of being a collaborator with his kids. Hilder was always a mentor who helped his family reach its full potential. Hilder was blessed with four Children and three step-children, one son, kasine Powell and three daughters, Kimberly Howell, Anglea K Williamson & Matikia Robinson. They were also blessed with five, Keoshia Reid, Osheana Reed, Jurne Powell, Marlon Williamson & Sheilisha Fredricks.

Hilder projected a subtle but positive influence in his workplace. He was comfortable working behind the scenes to help everyone get their job done, and he worked hard at all times to help others to reach their highest potential. While his colleagues did not view him as a high-spirited type, Hilder was effective at working with others to gain acceptance for his ideas. Hilder could be a perfectionist at times, but wasn’t one to seek out personal recognitions. He possessed excellent insight and a strong ability to meet schedules. He was an innovator who worked well independently, and he enjoyed the task of meeting a constant array of challenges. His primary occupation was Machine Operator. He was employed for 38 years at Great Lakes Carbon Plant.

Hilder was an Army Veteran. He was in Fort Sill, OK and Stuggart, Germany.

As an imaginative and inventive person, Hilder was comfortable showing his creative spirit. He enjoyed his leisure time by taking part in various hobbies. Once Hilder took on a new project, he saw it through to its completion. His favorite pursuits were fishing and scratch cards. He was content to enjoy his hobbies alone but was also willing to share his interests with others.

Hilder was one who put forth his best effort in every aspect of his life, and that carried over to his participation in sports as well. His sense of diligence inspired others and in turn drew best efforts from his teammates. In high school, Hilder played basketball, football and baseball. Recreational sports included walking. Hilder was also something of a sports fan and enjoyed following his favorite events whenever he got the opportunity. Tops on his list were football, basketball and golf.

Because Hilder was a person who enjoyed helping, teaching and working with others, he was a perfect fit for many types of organizations. His ability to encourage others, energize the group and his ability to solve all sorts of problems made him a desirable member of a wide variety of organizations. In high school, Hilder was a member of the Glee Choral Club and the NAACP. Throughout his later years, Hilder was an active member of the Masons and Church Usher Board.

Hilder was a man with clear convictions and high principles, and his faith was important to him. He was an inspiration to many people who recognized his sense of commitment and esteem for others. He was a member of the Gaston Chapel AME Church for 64 years. During that time, he was on the Usher Board.

Hilder was a well-respected man who was charitable in every way. He would contribute without hesitation for the benefit of others. As a result, Hilder received many accolades for varied efforts throughout his life. Some of his most prestigious awards included Mason of the Year.

Hilder possessed strong skills in long-range planning and project completion, a quality that positively influenced his travel and vacation planning. Favorite vacations included Portsmouth, VA.

Hilder passed away on August 25, 2010 at at his residence in Morganton, North Carolina. Hilder passed from Cardiac Arrest. He is survived by his wife, Cassandra "Agnes" Davis Howell and children, Mitchell & James Brown and Crystal Watkins, a son, Kasine Powell, daughters, Kimberly Howell, Matikia Robinson and Angela Williamson. Services were held at Gaston Chapel AME Church. Hilder was laid to rest in Burke Memorial Park in Morganton, North Carolina.

Though he could be a private person at times, Hilder was always able and willing to give of himself. He was so in tune with others that he often seemed able to read their minds. Hilder carried with him an almost mystical sense of life. He was a person who was highly original in his thinking and used metaphors and symbols to describe many aspects of his life. A poetic, intuitive “teacher”, Hilder Bert Howell shared himself freely and family and friends will remember Hilder for the strength of his convictions.