William H. Sewell,

On the early morning of April 15, 2017 Howard went to glory. He died peaceably in his sleep at home. Born in Rocky Mount N.C. on September 15, 1929 to the late Thaddious Vaden and Olive Harper Sewell. He was preceded in death by his only son William Howard Sewell Jr. and sister Thelma Overton. He moved to Norfolk, VA in the summer of 1942 and graduated from Norview High School in 1946. Howard, retired from the City of Norfolk Water Division after 32 years and worked for Sears part time for 9 years. Howard selflessly dedicated himself to his country and community for many years; he served in the United States Naval Reserves for 9 years, was a Boy Scout Leader, a Charter Member and Deacon of Cornerstone Baptist Church, delivered Meals on Wheels, volunteered at Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital for 17 years, was a Member of the Norview Lions Club, The Iris Society of Norfolk, Norview Civic League, Norview Alumni and Friends Association, and Sears Retirement Club. Howard enjoyed working on puzzles, ceramics, bowling, gardening, watching game shows, listening to country music, especially Eddie Arnold, and loved collecting pelicans.

Left to cherish his memory are his wife of 62 years Margaret Harper Sewell, his two daughters and their husbands Judy and Jeff Nichols and Sheila and Henry Arledge, three grandchildren Tracey and her husband Everett Wilson, Patrick Nichols, and Shannon Arledge, six great grandchildren Dallas, Alyssa, Kaylee, Peter, Jon, and Elizabeth, sister Selma Herweyer, brother in law George Overton, his special nurse Diana Mazzio, a host of cherished family and friends and his precious fur babies (cats) Azalea, Moo, Snowy, and Alley .

Howard’s funeral will be held on Thursday, April 20, 2017 at 2:00 PM at Woodlawn Funeral Home, 6329 E. Virginia Beach Blvd, Norfolk, VA with Pastor Tim Mclendon of Cornerstone Baptist Church and Chaplain Victor Phillip of Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital officiating. Please visit www.woodlawngroup.com to share a memory with Howard’s family. In Lieu of flowers donations may be made to Lake Taylor Transitional Hospital Patient Funds, 1309 Kempsville Rd, Norfolk, VA 23502. The family would like to extend a very special “Thank You”, to Sentara Hospice, Guardian Home Health Care, Maxim Home Care and Caroline Majette, for all the care and comfort that they provided to Howard in his final days.