Obituary of Valrice Cannis Howell

Valrice Cannis (Falwell) Howell was born on June 14, 1952, in Cheverly, MD, to the late Carl D. and Helen M. (Byrd) Falwell Sr. She was the 3rd eldest child from this union. On Friday, May 1, 2020, the angels peacefully ushered her into the arms of the Lord at Villa Rose Nursing Home in Mitchellville, MD. Valrice was educated in the Seat Pleasant and Capitol Heights, Maryland areas. She attended Greendale Elementary, and graduated in 1971 from Central Senior High. Valrice was a childcare provider for over 30 years, while living in Washington, D.C. and Maryland. The children called her their “Aunt Val.” She met and married Curtis E. Howell on April 26, 1975. From this union, three daughters were born: Afiya Denise, Stephanie Nicole, and Jasmine Rebecca, whom she affectionately called “my girls”. Valrice's relationship with Jesus was a living one. Jesus Christ was the lover of her soul, and she walked with him and talked with him and enjoyed sweet communion with him daily, often singing her favorite song “Way Maker, Miracle Worker” in her soulful alto voice. She always prayed with passion, power, and faith. She was a woman of great courage. This foundation was established when she received Jesus as her Lord and Savior at the age of 12 at the First Baptist Church of Fairmount Heights, in Fairmount Heights, MD, under the late Joseph C. Mines, Pastor. She attended The Shepherds House International Christian Church in Upper Marlboro, MD, under the leadership of Pastor R. Kevin Matthews, where her faith grew even stronger. She loved doggies and her Chihuahua, Lola, was her favorite girl. Her favorite color was green, and some of her favorite television shows and movies were “Lie to Me”, “Criminal Minds”, “Independence Day”, and anything Sci-fi. Valrice loved shopping, going to the movies, and road trips. She could also throw down in the kitchen! Coming from a large family, she only knew how to cook for what seemed like an entire army. You never went hungry around Val. Her daughters often complained about those famous ribs. They were mighty scrumptious, but because she would have four and five slabs marinating at one time it took up all the space in the refrigerator. And what can we say about those slap-somebody sweet potato pies? They were requested for every party, cook out, holiday, you name it. Valrice leaves to cherish her fond and loving memories her loving and caring husband, Curtis; three daughters, Afiya, Stephanie, and Jasmine; six sisters, Audrey (Andrew) Miller, Velma (Arnold) Proctor, Helena (Otis) Williams, Jeanette Shannon (Larry Sr), Carlene (Donald) McGriggs, and Melvina Falwell; three brothers, Carl D. (Romona) Falwell, Jr., Edward Falwell, and Joseph (Joyce) Falwell; and many nieces, nephews, extended family, and friends. She is also survived by her closest and dear friends, Brenda Davis, Luetricia Shannon, Tonya Stokes-Ford, and Medora Sims. Val’s heart was so big that even though she had three daughters, she welcomed into her family several godchildren and adopted grandchildren that she loved immensely. She often greeted each of them with a huge smile and outstretched arms saying, ‘Hi Baby!” During her tough times it was nothing but the grace of almighty God that she made it through. Valrice fought hard and we are so proud of her. We love you. One thing we know for sure, our Heavenly Father loved you best and He called you home to rest.MOM, my dear wife, Val, your shining presence will always be with us as we cherish you in our hearts. You can still show your support by sending flowers directly to the family, or