Joan P. Howell

Joan Reaves Howell died April 18, 2020, in Port Charlotte, Florida after struggling with Lewy body dementia, she was 73 years old.   

Joan was born December 11, 1946, in Washington DC.  Joan “the bone” was the second child of Dorothy (Edwards) Reaves and John Speight Reaves.  During her childhood, she discovered her lifelong love of animals and gardening.  She was a tomboy,  you could always find her playing outside and riding horses. 

In 1963, Joan was quite the rebel and married her first husband, Tom Martenot, at the tender age of 17.  She quickly became a mother of 3 children, Angie, Joe, and David.  She and Tom enjoyed driving fast cars (Porsche) and camping with their hippie friends. 

In 1973, after becoming a single mom and putting herself through nursing school, Joan met the love of her life, Greg Howell.   They were married on September 20, 1974, at St. Mary’s Church in Annapolis, MD.   Greg adopted the 3 children and loved them as his own. 

Joan spent many years working as a nurse, including ER, Psychiatric, nursing homes, and finally, working as a school nurse to keep on top of her own “rebellious” teenagers.   She kept everyone in line and many students enjoyed their respite time in her nursing office discussing romantic and academic problems.  Many of her students fondly remember her in her nursing office, smoking cigarettes, and discussing adolescent issues.   

With Greg being a police officer, Joan following in his footsteps and attended the Police Academy and transferred to the security team of PG County public schools.   Joan retired from PG County with 20 years of service. 

Joan and Greg enjoyed their retirement and bought her dream house, an old farmhouse in Easton, Maryland.  Joan enjoyed gardening and walking her beloved dogs.  Joan made friends everywhere she went, as she always had a funny story to tell, and, if you happened to enjoy a cigarette, she would be your “forever” friend.  Her zesty personality was known through everyone that knew her.  

Joan is survived by her husband of her 45 years, Greg Howell, her 3 children, Angela Hager Scully, Joe Howell, and David Martenot, 5 grandchildren, Catherine Hager, Jacob Hager and Liam Scully (Angie),  Jackson Howell and James Howell (Joe), her sister Susan Chase and brother John Reaves.  

A service will be planned at the future date due to the current restrictions on travel and large gatherings.    

To express condolences to the family and share in celebrating the life of Joan, please visit www.JohnsonTaylorFuneral.com and sign the online guestbook.  Arrangements are by Johnson Taylor Funeral and Cremation.