Erma Lee Aaron Howell was born on May 12, 1937, to Emanuel Aaron Jr. and Rozelia Robinson Baptiste in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She departed this life on February 8, 2026, at 8:50 a.m. at Paradise Valley Hospital in San Diego, California. She was the sixth oldest of twelve children, four girls and eight boys. Erma was truly the life of the party, full of joy, laughter, and unforgettable energy. She spoke her mind, said what she meant, and meant what she said. At an early age, she joined Saint Savior Baptist Church in Natchitoches under the leadership of the late Rev. John Gaines. She graduated from Central Elementary and Central High School in Natchitoches, laying a strong foundation for her future.
Ready for a new chapter, Erma moved to California in 1963. In 1971, she met the love of her life, Len Howell Sr. They were united in holy matrimony on February 10, 1973, and shared 52 wonderful years together. From this union, God blessed them with one son, Len Howell Jr. In 1985, following the passing of her sister Betty Menefee, Erma lovingly became the guardian of her nephew, Stanley Taylor, and niece, Cherie Batiste. She also cherished her lifelong friend Dorothy Lawrence Schupert and her dear friends Rev. Larry and Regina Dawson, who were like family.
Her favorite song was “The Last Mile of the Way.” Though small in stature, Erma had a larger-than-life personality. She loved cooking, especially her famous gumbo, and treasured gathering family around the table. She often ended her phone conversations with the words, “If the Lord says the same,” a reflection of her abiding faith.
Erma worked faithfully as a Certified Nurse in several San Diego hospitals and retired from the University of California, San Diego, UCSD. She later served at Integrity Christian Fellowship under Rev. Collis Hunt Sr. until her health began to decline.
Erma leaves to cherish her memory her devoted husband Len Howell Sr., her son Len and wife Ranada Howell Jr. of Dallas, Texas, her sister Dollie Dyson of Little Rock, Arkansas, three grandchildren; Legend, Royal, and Shaquiria Howell, thirty-five nieces and nephews, and a host of great and great great nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, stepchildren; Angela and Andre Howell, and her beloved siblings.