[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 209 (Thursday, December 21, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1751]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF WALTER HOWLETT, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TERRI A. SEWELL

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 21, 2017

  Ms. SEWELL of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and legacy of the late Walter Howlett, Jr. Walter 
was a beloved member of the Birmingham community, investing not only in 
the city's business development but in community development as well.
  Walter was born to Walter Howlett, Sr. and Laura Richardson Howlett, 
the second of seven children. Walter grew up understanding the 
importance of a good education. His parents often stressed that a 
quality education was the key to improving one's lot in life.
  A proud graduate of A.H. Parker High School in Birmingham, Walter 
took his parents' advice to heart, holding dreams of attaining a 
business degree. But those dreams were put on hold when he was drafted 
into the United States Army shortly after finishing high school.
  After serving for a year in the military, Walter returned home and 
completed his college education. Attending both Jefferson State 
Community College and the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Walter 
attained a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and went on to earn 
his Certified Public Accountant license.
  As his parents had said, Walter's education would indeed impact his 
lot in life. Soon after graduation he became a beloved protege of civil 
rights activist, A.G. Gaston. Mr. Gaston created the first black bank 
and the first African American funeral homes along with countless other 
firsts for the black community.
  It was his endearment and admiration for Mr. Gaston that helped to 
spur a more than 30-year career with the Gaston Corp., devoting 
countless hours to the development of some of Birmingham's most 
affluent and successful black-owned businesses. In 2003, Walter was 
appointed CEO of the A.G. Gaston Construction Co.
  In spite of all his success in business, Walter still considered his 
family and faith to be his highest priorities, specifically his four 
children: Mondra Howlett, Cadeshia Howlett Samuel, Tameka Howlett, and 
Damien Howlett, and his wife, Deborah Howlett.
  The Howletts' love story began in 2012. Shortly after the loss of his 
mother, friends and family say the meeting was a true blessing in 
Walter's life, and that she put a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his 
face. Two years later, in September of 2014, the couple exchanged vows. 
Mrs. Howlett says her life's greatest joy was the time they had 
together. Walter was an active member of Bethel Baptist Church in 
Collegeville, participating in various areas of ministry from the choir 
to serving as an usher. Walter lived by the motto, ``find a need and 
fill it,'' a lesson learned by Mr. Gaston. He believed service to one's 
community was not an obligation but a privilege. In the course of his 
life Walter served on numerous boards including the United Way of 
Central Birmingham, the Boy Scouts of America, and the Birmingham Civil 
Rights Institute. He considered it a great joy to give back to the 
community he said gave him so much.
  In his passing Walter leaves behind four siblings including: Birdie 
Lee Howlett, Patricia Howlett Peterson, James Lee Howlett, and Fredia 
Gail Howlett, his other siblings Willie Maud Jenkins and Jay Jerome 
Howlett are both deceased.
  On a personal note, Walter was a cherished mentor and a dear friend. 
He was a dedicated servant-leader who knew the importance of ``each 
one, teach one.'' Walter believed in mentoring young people and I was 
grateful that he was so supportive of my candidacy and always offered 
his wise counsel. His commitment to excellence and passion for business 
and entrepreneurship will live on through the many lives he touched.
  On behalf of the 7th Congressional District, the State of Alabama, 
and this nation, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life 
of Walter Howlett, Jr. We pay tribute to his distinguished career and 
contributions for the betterment of the State of Alabama, and extend 
deep appreciation for his exemplary service to the community of 
Birmingham, Alabama.

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