Julia Howard was born on November 25th, 1929, in Montgomery, Alabama. Julia, better known as Mrs. Howard aka Grandma, came to New York City as a young adult. She moved into the James Weldon Johnson Housing Development in Spanish Harlem where she and her husband raised their six children. Julia lived in the Johnson houses for 67 years. Julia was a very smart, classy, and well put together woman. Julia, in her younger years, worked as a nurse's aide in Montifiore Hospital and had a special gift for caring for others. Mrs. Howard was one of the best cooks the Johnson Projects ever had. She was well known for her fried chicken wings that would draw crowd at her first-floor window. She never hesitated to give a chicken wing on a slice of white bread, and she even put it on a paper towel so that you could wipe your mouth when finished. Julia was the nicest and sweetest person that could be but don't mess with her because she was the original OOOG, yes triple OG because that's how 100% real she was. Julia's knowledge about life and her street smarts was amazing. Julia was very close with her family and friends. Julia had love in her heart and spirit for all people, especially children. That is why everyone that knew her called her Ma or Grandma. She would always give whatever she had to help others in need. There was nothing that she wouldn't do if you needed her help. Julia's home was open for whatever was needed. All she needed was a sign in her first-floor window that said office/kitchen is open except you would have to catch her before she pulled her shades down. As Julia would always say, "Case closed". Julia was a very funny person who loved to have fun and was always joking around to get a good laugh. She had the craziest sayings, quotes, and a crazy sense of humor. Julia also loved to dance. She would always tell stories about back in the day when she and her husband went to a well-known resort in the Catskills called Peg-Leg Bates. She said that the man that owned the resort by the same name would challenge anyone to dance with him so he can sit them down. Guess who took that challenge, yes, Julia Howard also known as BIG MAE-BELL. because of her dancing skills and boy could she throw down. Julia sat that man down and has the picture to prove it. Julia always said what she meant, meant what she said and could always back it up. Whenever Mrs. Julia made her rounds where she lived, she would always greet you with "How you doing?" and a smile. Anyone who met her or knew her would appreciate her kindness and personality. She was a very loving and generous person. Julia Howard will always be loved and truly missed by her family and friends. Julia Howard is survived by: her sister, Anne Dee Talley; children, William E. Howard III, Shirley Howard-Humphrey, Philinda Diane Howard, and Dwight Howard; grandchildren; great grandchildren; one great, great granddaughter; as well as nieces, nephews, and a host of additional family members. Done in love and sorrow by The Family