It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Lajuana Raye Howell at the age of 82, on March 12, 2025, in Houston, Texas.

Born on June 1, 1942, in Richland County, South Carolina, to Carl Stanick and Margaret Craig, Raye, as she was affectionately known by her family and friends, lived a life full of love, devotion, and unwavering faith.

Raye was a devoted wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend, and she was known for her kind heart, tenacity, and deep faith. Her love for family and friends was boundless, and she touched the lives of all who knew her. She was preceded in death by her father, Carl Stanick who died in combat at Okinawa during WWII, her mother Margaret Howell, her adoptive father Jordan "Jim" Exum Howell, and her brothers Ronald Earl Howell and Larry Stanley Howell.

Raye is survived by her beloved husband, James Arthur Johnson; brothers Billy Gerald Stanick and Micheal Jorden Howell; her children Arthur Marc Lattanzi and his wife Lourdes, Carl "Tony" Lattanzi and his wife Lexi, Gregory "Dino" Lattanzi, and her youngest son Roman "Fiore" Lattanzi and his wife Chandra. She is also survived by her stepchildren Jennifer, Jeffery, and his wife Tracy Johnson.

Raye was a cherished grandmother to a handful of amazing grandchildren: Nikolaus, Nathan, Kylee Lattanzi, Alex and his wife Amy, Anna Lattanzi, Xenia, Matthew Giuseppe Lattanzi, Joshua and Jessica Johnson, Justin and Shoko Johnson, Chase and Alexandra Carline, Brittany Johnson, Joey Gravengaard, Kristopher Cardenas, and Mya Johnson. She also had the joy of being a great-grandmother to Jayden, Jax, Keito Johnson, Jeremiah James and Juliana Johnson, and Kayson and Reine Landry.

Professionally, Raye worked as a court reporter, where she met her dear friend Diane, and the two later became paralegals and lifelong friends. Raye had a zest for life and loved to travel. She and her best friend, and often her husband, would spontaneously choose a dot on the map, embark on an adventure, and, more often than not, end up wonderfully lost.

A devout Christian, Raye was an active member of Harvest Bible Church, where she regularly attended services and Bible studies. Her faith was central to her life, and she found strength and comfort in her relationship with God. Raye will be deeply missed by her family and all who knew her. Her legacy of love, faith, and kindness will forever remain in their hearts. A memorial service to celebrate her life will be held on March 21, 2025 at 2pm at Klein Funeral Home at 9719 Wortham Blvd, Houston 77065.

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