Howard Earl Lea

Howard Earl Lea transitioned from this earthly life to meet his Heavenly Father in glory on October 23, 2021. He was the 5th of twelve children, born on June 30, 1956, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin to Milton and Eaver Mae Lea.

Howard had a flair for fashion and whether dressed casually or formally, he was always impeccable. He loved music, he loved the arts, and he loved the time spent traveling while working in the family jewelry business.

What Howard cherished most was his family and the time he spent relaxing, celebrating, gathering for holidays, and comforting each other during times of need. Howard was a family man and developed lasting bonds across the multiple generations of his family.

Howard graduated from West Division High School and immediately began to perfect his craft as a skilled creative artist. He learned the craft of jewelry making through a family-owned business at the age of 13. He soon mastered these skills and worked for years traveling and sharing his creative designs at prominent art shows across the country. He also sought other ways to express his creativity and eventually followed his father into the carpentry profession.

Howard completed an apprenticeship program at the Milwaukee Area Technical College and was soon contributing to the construction and architectural design of commercial and residential properties across the greater Milwaukee area. He took great pride in his work and always remained laser focused on the fine details of his craft.

Howard’s craftsmanship led him into manufacturing where he spent more than 15 years as a Crew Leader at the Plastic Coating Corporation, and a Welder Fabricator for Tramont Manufacturing in Milwaukee, WI. During this time, Howard also returned to his true passion of jewelry making and established his own business, where he thrived as an entrepreneur. Creating his own unique and original designs to share with the world gave him great joy.

In partnership with their mother Annie Chambers, created his most lasting legacy in the form of his two beautiful sons – Jekhi and Jabril.

Howard was a natural father. He doted over and cared for his boys in a loving way. He constantly captured moments of their life together. If you encountered Howard, he would no doubt share some of the photos and memories of his boys. He was a proud father.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents Milton and Eaver Lea, and sisters Patricia and Vanessa.

He leaves to cherish his memory, sons Jekhi and Jabril, partner Annie Chambers, siblings Imogene Lea-Burton, Milton Jr., Lorraine (Sage), Sonya, Connie (Jeff), Wendy, Cara, Timothy (Eulonda), Torrey (Kai), Dionne (Keith), and a host of nieces, nephews, loved ones and friends.

Visitation Parklawn Assembly of God, 3725 North Sherman Boulevard, Milwaukee from  10:00 AM – 11:00 AM. Funeral Service 11:00 AM.