Joy L. Howie, 78, passed away on September 17, 2021 in San Diego, CA

Please join us in celebrating and honoring the life of our mom, Joy. She was called home to her Lord and Savior on September 17th, 2021 after a long illness. Our mom loved life, her family, and serving God. She was a bright and shining light to many that loved her. Our mom was caring, selfless, creative, and adventurous. She loved meeting new people and making new friends. Our mom’s faith in the Lord was evident in how she treated others. We are so thankful for the values our parents instilled in us.

When we were growing up, she opened her home to the neighborhood kids who would come and talk to her about their problems. She was always there to listen and give advice. Her huge heart and desire to help others in need, led her to take in and foster troubled teens and support missionary work through her church.

Our mom was also a very creative and talented decorator. For over 35 years she used her gift as an interior designer to help countless clients, friends, and family. She had a great sense of style and design.

She was born on December 12, 1942 to the parents of Margie Steinestel and Clarence Smith. In 1961, Joy married the love of her life, Paul Howie. They were married 59 years, and were longtime residents of Santee, CA. Mom and Dad’s light will live on in us children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren for generations to come.

She is survived by her dad, Roy Steinestel; her children: Paula Joyce, Trissa Napoleon, Kimberly Ravy, and our husbands who gained mom’s respect and love as she saw how they treated each one of us. As a grandmother she doted on her grandchildren: Jennifer Joyce Chatfield, Amanda Kruger, Samantha Joyce and Aaron Kruger. Her face would light up when she talked about them, as well as her great granddaughter’s Karina Hubner and Jade Chatfield. Other survivors are Mom and Dad’s fur baby, Dino, and countless other treasured family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her husband Paul Howie who passed away in 2020; her parents, Margie Allen Steinestel and Clarence Smith, and her sister Melody Buzzell.

Mom, even though you may not be physically present with us, you will forever be in our hearts and minds. Thank you for making this world a more beautiful place and an example of love, courage, faith and compassion that we try and imitate daily. Joy was the perfect name for our mom, as that is what she always brought to those around her.

Please join us in an intimate gathering celebrating her life whether it be in person or in prayer.

Her celebration of life will be held on November 10th, at 10:30am at Miramar National Cemetery, 5795 Nobel Drive, San Diego, California.

Warm regards to everyone who loved mom and thank you for being a beautiful part of her life.

Paula, Trissa and Kim

“13Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope. 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again, and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.” - I Thess. 4:13-14