Virginia Krista Howell, “Krista”, 39, of Washington, DC, passed away from cancer on May 19, 2024. Krista, a beloved daughter, sister, aunt, educator, and friend, was born on March 19, 1985 in Harrisonburg, VA.

Krista had a magnetic personality that drew people to her. She had a wide circle of friends from every stage of her life, who kept in touch with her from all over the world, especially on social media. She was a light at every gathering with her infectious laughter, sass, and honest talk. She had style—funky, colorful and whimsical. She owned every dance floor, especially if the DJ was playing Beyoncé or Janet Jackson. Krista was a Pisces - meaning, she loved water (especially beaches and lakes), was an avid dreamer, and possessed a sensitive, complex soul. 

She also delighted in her time alone. To wind down from a week in the classroom, Krista would have Self-care Fridays, where she’d fill her condo with DIY projects inspired by famous artists, explore the world of design, and cook. She was gluten-free. Everybody knew that. 

Krista was an adventurer and wanderer with a deep curiosity about cultures other than her own and an immense passion for traveling. She visited more than 20 countries, mostly with her closest friends and sometimes on her own for self-discovery and reflection. Among her favorite places included Río de Janeiro, Sevilla, Sydney, and Kyoto. Krista combined her love of travel and design by planning vacations around boutique hotels curated by her favorite interior designers in Austin, Los Angeles, and Miami. 

Her time at the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill opened her eyes to injustices in the world and taught her that she could make a difference. She had a passion for righting wrongs. Krista was an unapologetic feminist who advocated fiercely for reproductive rights and education, and against white supremacy and inequality in whatever form it took. As a result, we all look at the world a little differently, and have a bit of Krista’s voice in our heads, helping us see how it should be. 

Krista was a pre-K teacher at School-within-School in Northeast Washington, DC. She was deeply committed to its Reggio Emilia-inspired curriculum,which centers the child as the driver of their own learning and taps into their innate curiosity and brilliance. Both the teacher and the classroom environment work to encourage and support students in their exploration. Krista was the change she wanted to see in the world; she incorporated the work of Black and female artists into her lesson plans, and led teachings on empathy to her young students. Her students and their families loved learning from “Ms. Krista.” 

Krista is survived by her parents, Cynthia & Gary Howell; her siblings Claire & Luke Mitchell (sister & brother-in-law) and Garrett & Tiffany Howell (brother & sister-in-law); nieces Quinn, Keely, and Remi; nephew Rowan; as well as her beloved fur babies, kittens Río and Bondi.

A Celebration of Life will be held on June 9th at Orange United Methodist Church, with a luncheon reception at 1pm followed by a service at 3pm. Address: 1220 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.

Krista loved flowers, especially hydrangeas and peonies. Flowers can be delivered to the church from June 8th through June 9th at 12 PM. She was also a passionate advocate.  Those who are so inclined can honor Krista’s legacy and passions by supporting Planned Parenthood, UNICEF’s Every Child Fund, and The Innocence Project. Please follow your heart and memorialize her as you feel inspired to.