Doris Howell-Samuels

In remembrance of Doris Howell-Samuels and the legacy she has imprinted on our hearts

Memorial donations may be made in Doris Howell-Samuels' name to The Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston

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Doris Jean Howell - Samuels “Dolly”

Doris Jean Howell-Samuels, affectionately called "Dolly," was born to William Curley Howell and Doris Jean Hicks-Howell-White on December 2, 1961, in Boston, Massachusetts. She was the fourth eldest of seven siblings: Abdulmalik, Angela (deceased), Robin, Rhonda, Troy, and Courtney.

From an early age, Doris displayed remarkable creativity and independence. She loved sewing by hand and engaging in arts and crafts. To earn money, she—along with her sisters and friends—created handmade items and sold them to neighbors in the community. Doris also delighted in organizing neighborhood talent shows, where her mother would lovingly provide meals. Her childhood was filled with joy and adventure, from walking the railroad tracks to picking fruit from nearby yards, riding bikes, and sledding in the winter.

A natural leader with a strong independent spirit and perfectionist nature, Doris approached everything with excellence. A timeless beauty, she loved modeling high-fashion looks during her teenage years and was admired for her consistently elegant and stylish presence. She performed in many talent shows and local productions, showcasing her artistic talents. Yet above all, her greatest dream was to attend college.

Doris began her formal education at Saint Kevin's Elementary School in Dorchester, MA, and graduated from Roxbury High School as an honor student, a gifted writer and active member of the school newspaper. She then attended medical secretarial school before enrolling at Roxbury Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Liberal Arts. Her outstanding academic performance earned her a full scholarship to Simmons College, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Physical Therapy.

After graduating from Simmons College, Doris initially worked for Easter Seals before joining Boston Public Schools in 1988, providing services to special education students. A dedicated lifelong learner, she earned a Master's in Education (M.Ed.) with a perfect 4.0 GPA from Boston College's Donovan School of Education. She then served Boston Public Schools as a Special Education Support Supervisor, overseeing Physical, Occupational, and Speech Therapists, a role she did with excellence but later left due to health issues.

One of the most pivotal moments in her life came when she met her husband, Anthony, while working at the Prudential Center. They married on May 2, 1987, and through their union had two sons, Ryan and Anthony Jr. Anthony also inherited a daughter, Asjadoll Howell, whom he loves as his own. Doris faithfully answered her calling to serve and uplift Black and Brown children through her work as a physical therapist and her continued dedication to learning, attending workshops and conferences to better support children of incarcerated parents.

Following the passing of her sister Angela, Doris selflessly opened her heart and home to her eight-year-old niece and nephew, twins Jasmine and Jonathan Howell. Together with Anthony, she raised them as her own. She also played a vital role in helping to raise her grandchildren, Taylor and Jaison.

A devoted and loving matriarch, Doris had a profound love for family. She provided unwavering support, guidance, and encouragement to her nephews and nieces, forming special and lasting bonds with each of them. For many years, the family spent Thanksgiving in New York with her in-laws, eagerly anticipating the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, Christmas displays, and seeing the Rockettes at Rockefeller Center.

Doris loved planning family vacations to Puerto Rico, Cancun, Jamaica, Riviera Maya, and the Bahamas, as well as family road trips to the Poconos, DC, Virginia Beach, North Carolina, New York, and Ohio. The family also enjoyed winter sports, visiting ski resorts throughout New England. Whenever possible, Doris brought her nieces and nephews along to museums, attractions, and beaches, always eager to expose them to new experiences.

Doris believed deeply in giving back to her community and ensured her children were actively involved in service projects. Following Hurricane Katrina, she took her family to New Orleans to assist with rebuilding efforts. During summer months, she sometimes brought her children to her workplace, allowing them to witness firsthand the challenges faced by children with physical health conditions.

In 1993, Doris accepted the Lord Jesus Christ and was baptized at Concord Baptist Church, where she remained a devoted member for many years before joining Bethel AME Church. She was an active member of the Daughters of Anna ministry, served as a Steward, and participated in a medical mission trip to South Africa. She remained dedicated to Bethel AME Church until her illness prevented her from attending.

In 2013, Doris was diagnosed with a brain tumor that significantly affected her memory, mobility, and balance. For twelve years, she fought courageously alongside her devoted husband and children. When standard medical interventions were no longer an option, Doris returned home, where she began her transition in the comfort and peace of familiar surroundings. On December 19, 2025, she peacefully succumbed to her illness and is now resting with the Lord.

Doris was preceded in death by her beloved son, Anthony Samuels, Jr.; her father, William Howell; her mother, Doris Hicks-Howell-White; her father-in-law, Henry Samuels, Jr.; her mother-in-law, Yvonne Samuels; her sister, Angela Howell-Chisolm; her grandfather, Daniel Webster Hicks, Jr.; her grandmothers, Ruthanne Bailey and Mary Hicks; her uncles, Daniel Hicks and Frederick Hicks; her aunt, Shirley Hicks; her niece, Brittany Howell; and her nephew, Christian Howell.

Doris leaves to cherish her loving memory her beloved companion of 45 years and devoted husband of 38 years, Anthony Samuels; her daughter, Asjadoll Howell; her son, Ryan Samuels; her nephew, Jonathan Howell; and her niece, Jasmine Howell. She will also be lovingly remembered by her grandchildren: Jaison Tucker, Taylor Tucker, Tiffany Samuels, and Kevin Lee.

She is also survived by her brothers, Abdulmalik Jackson, Troy Howell, and William Courtney White (Asha); her sisters, Robin Howell and Rhonda Howell-Heard; her uncles, Franklin Hicks and Gary Hicks; her brothers-in-law, Henry Samuels III (Queenie), Derrick Samuels (Terry-Ann), and Darren Samuels (Felisha); her sister-in-law, Dorinda Samuels; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered for her strength, love, and enduring spirit.

TRIBUTES

Dear Dolly,

From the very beginning of my journey into motherhood, you were one of my greatest supporters. You stood by me and Brittany, your niece with a love that was unwavering, and when life got difficult for me, you stepped up without hesitation and offered to care for her. After all these years, I still cherish and deeply appreciate the kindness you showed us.

Thank you for your compassion. Thank you for including her. Thank you for treating her like she was your own. Thank you for creating the memories. Thank you for your willing sacrifice. Thank you for carrying us through some of our hardest times. Thank you for leaving a lasting impression. Thank you “Aunty Dolly”!

You were a God‑send and you fulfilled your purpose with grace, strength and integrity. Although you and Brittany have passed into eternity, my love for you will forever dwell in my heart.

You fought the good fight, you have finished the race, you have kept the faith, and now laid up for you is a crown of righteousness...I look forward to the day we will meet again.

With immense love and gratitude,

Kem (Brittany’s mom)

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My Aunt was a light in my life. She called, she texted and always checked in, and always knew exactly how to let make me smile. Her encouragement shaped me more than she probably ever knew. She led by example—strong, graceful, loving—and showed me what it means to be a woman of substance, success and heart. I am forever grateful for her guidance, her voice, and the love she poured into my life. She will always be a role model, and her presence will live on in who I am.

Love,

 Cleopatra

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In Loving Memory of Dolly

Dolly, you had a way of making me feel loved and welcomed. I will always treasure the warmth of your hugs, your genuine smile, and the whispered words of wisdom. Your random texts filled with love and your sweet calls checking in on your baby brother and nieces were a testament to the depth of your care. Your honesty, kindness, and unwavering support meant the world to me. Sitting with you during family events was a joy, and your realness and actions that always matched your words... was a rare and beautiful quality.

I will miss you dearly, Dolly, but I will carry your love and encouragement with me always. Thank you for being my sister-in-love and for supporting me in all my endeavors. You will forever hold a special place in my heart.

Rest in peace, dear Dolly.

With love,

Asha White

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Doris was the sister that I did not have in Boston. We met at Northeastern University gym (Marino Center) in 1998, a familiar face from church . Together we shared a bond that was unbreakable. The void and pain left in my life is unthinkable. Selfish me, wish you could be still here cheering me on with your words of encouragement “ let’s pray” and “Heather, God knows best.” I will forever cherish those precious memories of our friendship (those trips to NYC, a new breakfast spot after the gym, Martha’s Vineyard, oh and those back roads of Boston in that black Corolla to avoid the traffic). You fought a good fight. Job well done. Rest well my friend. 💔

- Heather

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Doris Jeanne- my sister, my friend - I am cherishing our memories, your pearls of wisdom and teachings to me forever. I will miss us and will continuously be there for our family. 

Always, Ingrid.