Erica S. Howard

Erica Shanell Howard was born on March 1,1985 in Chicago IL to Gerald and Pamela Calimee. Erica passed away on August6, 2020 following a courageous battle with Kidney disease. Her fight was a tenacious one in which she was determined to over come one day by receiving a kidney transplant. Erica attended Bremen Highschool and graduated. This is the place where she made so many friends and was loved by so many. She was a student at Devry University where she studied criminal justice and psychology, she loved the way that the mind worked and had a thirst for knowledge and continued to research whatever peaked her interest. Erica was a lover of many things. She enjoyed working with makeup, styling hair and bedazzling everything that wasn’t nailed down to the floor. If she could bling it out she would. But most of all Erica was a giver. She always made sure that everyone else was okay. She would make baskets and bake for her family and friends in her free time and served the less fortunate in so many ways. She would also make “thinking of you” trinkets to pass around at her dialysis center during every holiday. She always wanted everyone to know that they mattered and that they were special. Because she was such a giver she decided to become a care giver and cared for many over the last 10 yrs in assisted living. She knew how it felt as a dialysis patient to need someone to care for you properly so she thought I can show them better than I can tell them. Erica received Christ at and early age and knew and loved him. When she was 9 months old she used to walk around the house saying EL Shaddai, EL Shaddai which means “God Almighty” in Hebrew. She had zealous love for Christ and his people and served him in her own way. Erica was an old soul a realist some might say. One never had to guess where she stood or what she thought. Because she let it be known. She was sharp quick witted and feisty and had little tolerance for nonsense. But had a way about her that drew so many close to her. She loved to laugh and spend time with her friends and family. Erica was proceeded in death by her paternal grandparents J.C and Ethelene Calimee and Maternal grandparents Rose Taylor and Bobby Joe Scott. She is survived by her loving parents Pamela Calimee of (Joliet,IL) & Gerald Calimee Sr. (Harvey, IL). Grandfather John H. Taylor (Chicago IL), Siblings, JejuanHatch (Chicago IL,) Shanetta Mcintee(Chicago IL,), Ebony Howard and niece Sydnie McGhee (Shorewood IL) Jarrell Howard (Katie) of (Peoria IL), Gerald Calimee Jr. nephew Christian Calimee(Joliet IL) and Matthew Calimee and a host of nieces and nephews relatives favorite cousins and special Aunties( Vivian Foster, Patricia Howard, Gayle Calimee and Wanda Calimee Velvet Owens). Best Friends, Amanda Parmer , Tonda Lyons and special friend DeAngelo Hill.

Erica Shanell Howard “Fighter Survivor”

Gone Too Soon! But never Forgotten!

Beautiful, adorable, sweet, well loved by everyone. Thank you Erica for always loving on me, sharing a prayer.So long for now till we meet again. You got your wings now fly my Angel spread your beautiful wings made of diamonds and rubies and sparkles my Diva Angel.  You will never be forgotten….Now fly high.

Love Dad

What can a mother say to a child that blessed her with so much love, joy and wisdom beyond your years. Erica Mama is going to miss you calling me up saying “Ma what you cooking?”or “Ma what you doing?” Baby girl There is now no more pain, no more tears, just you smiling with that pretty smile before Jesus your one and only true Love. I shall never ever forget you my baby girl.

Love Mom