Howard Hill

                                                Howard Hill’s Celebration of Life

                                                        Matthew 11:28 KJV

              Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.

Howard Eugene Hill was born on September 1, 1952 to the late Howard and Doris Hill of Charlotte, NC. Three children were born to this union. Howard was the first and oldest of the children, his sister; Doris James, who was the second born proceeded him in death and his sister; Deloris Moore was the third born. Howard migrated to New York City with his Mother at a young age. He was educated by New York City Public Schools. He completed Elementary and Junior High School in New York City. Then he went to High School in Salisbury, NC and it was here that his interest in learning how to build houses/buildings, Carpentry, Architecture and Engineering was sparked. He met Mr. Reed; who was a well-established African-American Entrepreneur who owned a portfolio of properties. Upon Howard’s graduation from Salisbury High School in 1970, Mr. Reed brought Howard in under his wings, offered him a job and provided him with mentoring and professional development to enhance his skillset. Howard proved himself to be a quick and detail-oriented learner, who exceeded Mr. Reed’s expectations to the point that he offered to make Howard a part owner of his business. Howard declined and moved back to New York City.

In 1974 Howard returned back to New York City and held a variety of jobs, all of which involved working with his hands, such as: a Maintenance Worker for New York City Public Schools, a Super for two residential buildings in Harlem, an Unionized Bricklayer for several New York City iconic landmark buildings and he became Self-Employed providing residential and commercial renovation services until his death, inclusive of the R.C. Lawson Youth Enrichment Center, which is owned by The Greater Refuge Temple Church.

Howard developed a love for music in 1964, he learned how to play the Saxophone and Keyboard and was also a member of his cousin; John’s Band. He had a friend nicknamed Blood who was a Producer and he took Howard with him to Atlantic Records, where Howard met Chic and mixed the music for the group’s hit song “Dance, Dance, Dance.” Just to name a few in the Entertainment Industry he knew Tom Cossie, Chic’s Producer, Clive Davis, Phyllis Hyman and so on. Lastly, Jacqueline and the late Bobby Poindexter are successful Songwriters in the Entertainment Industry and Howard was their Business Partner.

On Tuesday morning, February 7, 2023 at 8:10am Howard quietly answered God’s call to come home and take his rest. He told his family that he wanted to transition peacefully and he viewed the next phase of his journey as going on a long vacation. Howard will always be remembered for all of the liveliness, love, light and memories he brought into our family. He leaves to cherish his memories 1 sister; Deloris Moore, 1 brother-in-law; Lionel James, several nieces and nephews: Tanisha Hill, Aaron James (Carla James), Deirdre Small, (Bryan Small), Adam James, Tiana Williams (Brandon Williams), great nephews and nieces: Christian James-Lattore, Nathaniel James, Noah James, Khamari Small, Amira D. Archibald, Caleb Small, Cameron Small, Ezra James, Hayden Williams and Leah James, a host of uncles, aunts and cousins, in addition to extended family members: Jackie Poindexter & family (Queens Village), Dennis ‘Doc’ Williams and Donna Williams, Luther Hudson, Jr., Vanessa Lewis, adopted niece and nephews: Jamillah Payne, Anthony Payne, Michael Jaden Payne and Anthony Payne, Jr. and a host of friends.