Cora Jean Howell passed away peacefully at home, surrounded by loved ones, at the age of 84 on April 11, 2024. She was born on February 8, 1940, to parents Ellis and Cora Pullen. She was the youngest of six children. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband of forty-two years, William "Red" Howell, as well as siblings James Walker (Cornelia), Jennie Chatman (Jerome Sr), Helen Pullen, Calvin Pullen, and William E. Pullen (Joyce), and special family friends Tony Bryant and Alphonso Lee, as well as brother-in-law Joseph Howell, who carried out Red's wishes of watching after Cora after his passing.

Her early years were spent in Bedford with her family, where she attended school at Susie G. Gibson. After high school, she went onto work at an art gallery. Eventually, she would move to Detroit, MI, where she gave birth to her first daughter, Angela, in 1962. She then lived in Washington DC, where she gave birth to her daughter Lisa in 1968. She also owned a seafood market during her time there. She eventually returned to Bedford where she worked for Brooks Food, formerly Golden West, from 1969 until her retirement from her position as foreman in 2005. Working there, she met the love of her life and soulmate, William "Red" Howell.

She leaves many people behind to miss her, including her two daughters, Angela and Lisa, her grandchildren, Tracy, Crystal, Felicia, Jasmine, Stephen, and Gabby, her great grandchildren, Martavious, Keonna, Carey, Alexis, Luis, and Sage, and her great-great grandchildren, Akyli and Serenity. She also leaves behind her sisters-in-law Carolyn Howell (Jim) and Eula Pullen, as well as a host of cousins, nieces, and nephews. She had a very special bond with her niece, Denise Chatman-Freeman, whom she cherished weekly phone calls with. She also leaves behind many friends, including a very special, and loyal friend in Debra Harrison.

After Cora is laid to rest on Saturday, the family invites attendees to join them at Cora and Red's cherished home "The Lazy R Ranch" for a celebration of life at 3 pm. The family requests that after the funeral, attendees change from their black clothing into comfortable clothes.