Mary Howell

Mary Lu English Howell, 85, stepped into the awesome presence of God on April 2, 2023. This was Palm Sunday which is fitting for anyone who knew her. Her whole life was centered around the Lord Jesus Christ. She lived by example. 

Everyone who knew Mary knew she had the sweetest childlike countenance and faith. She served Jesus faithfully until her dying breath.

Mary suffered many hardships in life that would break most people. Her faith never wavered. Her heart was always full of forgiveness and love. Nothing could separate her from her faith or family. She lived a very simple and humble life, but now Great is her Reward! She is experiencing riches above and beyond anything she could have ever imagined.

Mary was born in Houston, Texas. She learned to sew at an early age, and most of the time made her own clothes. Later in life, she was drawn to reading poetry. Henry Wadsworth Longfellow was her favorite. Until recently she could recite "A Psalm of Life" for anyone who would listen. As an adult, she loved to tend to her plants, trace her family's genealogy, sing in the choir and take photos of her family and friends she loved so much. Christmas was her favorite time of year. She always looked forward to seeing friends and family who she had not seen in a long time.

Preceding Mary in death are her mother, Ruth Scurlock English: Siblings, William (Bill) English, Virginia (Ginny) Taylor, Ruthy McMellon and Dorothy (Dotty) Dewitt; Son in law, Jeff Reynolds and father of her children, Ernest E. Howell.

Left to carry on her memory are children, Karen Howell Rogers, Betty Howell Reynolds, Susan Howell Smith, and Paul Howell. Grandchildren, Brandon Addison, Lana Addison, Chasta Reynolds Marshall, Dara Reynolds Glass, Joshua Smith, Ryan Smith, Hayley Howerton and Sydney Howell. There are also 16 great grandchildren who will miss her. She is also survived by sister Peggy Joiner and brother John English (#7 she would lovingly call him), as well as numerous nieces and nephews who were so special to her.  

Mary was a loving mother, grandmother, great grandmother, sister and aunt. She was also known as "Mother Mary" to many young people back in the 70s Jesus Movement. Her home and kitchen were always open to anyone who was in need. This carried through until the end of her life. She will be greatly missed by all who had the honor of knowing her. She was truly a Gift from God.

Note from grandchild, Chasta, "How amazing it must have been to walk into Heaven's Gates seeing all of her family and friends that were patiently waiting for her, and hearing Jesus say, "Well done, thou good and faithful servant!"

We will love and miss you.

[There will be a private gathering for family at a later date]