Mary Eleanor Howell

Mary Eleanor Howell, 89, of Woodbury passed away on April 18, 2016. She was born on October 24, 1926 in Arlington, TN on her family’s farm. Her parents were Thomas Francis Maher, Sr. and Ella Josephine (Duerbusch) Maher. She was also preceded by her husband John Hi Howell, Sr., son, Tansil Mark Howell, brothers, Thomas Maher and Joseph Maher, sisters, Lorraine Kelley and Jean Maher, daughter-in-law, Debbie Norman Howell and son-in-law, P. J. “Rooster” Cook. She is survived by her sons, John Hi (Deborah) Howell of Manchester, Thomas Howell of Woodbury, Abbie (Lauren) Howell of Woodbury, Michael (Rita) Howell of Bradyville, Shawn (Sheryl) Howell of Woodbury and Timothy (Penny) Howell of Knoxville; daughters, Mary Jean Cook of Woodbury, Katherine Ann Howell of Knoxville; daughter-in-law, Beverly Howell of Woodbury; sisters, Frances (Fred) White of Texas and Pat Hayden of Missouri; 21 grandchildren; Diane Howell, Sara (Brian) Brannom, Jennifer Howell, Rachel Pearl (Alex Ford) Howell, Jessica Howell, Abby Frazor, Stephen Cook, Tommy (Amanda) Howell, Amber (Jeremy) Vassar, Michael (Jendee) Howell, Jr., Phillip Howell, Randy (Jennifer) Howell, Kimberly Tucker, Velvie Howell, Tansil Howell, Travis (Samantha) Howell, AJ Howell, Danielle (Alan) Smith, Rene (Ernie) Horn, Carrie (Jonathan) Woods, Ciara Howell; and 29 great grandchildren. She was a loving and devoted wife and mother. She was always willing to give up things to make her family happy. They enjoyed a close knit family life with lots of laughs and fun. She was a simple but elegant lady. During her life she earned a teaching degree from Siena College in Memphis. Prior to marriage she taught in Memphis for several years. When her first child was born she stayed home to raise him and then the other eight to follow. She moved to Cannon County with her family and went back to the teaching she loved so much. The Third Grade was her favorite age to teach. She taught from 1971-1990. Her life can be summed up in a simple statement, “To teach is to touch a life forever”, that included her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren as well as students. She was raised in the Catholic Church and was a member of St. Rose Catholic Church in Murfreesboro. Visitation with the family will be held at Smith Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 20, 2016 from 3-7 pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Rose Catholic Church, 1601 N. Tennessee Blvd. Murfreesboro on Thursday, April 21, 2016 at 1 pm. Interment will follow in Riverside Garden. In lieu of flowers memorial donations are requested to Adams Memorial Library, American Cancer Society or the American Diabetes Association. Share memories and condolences with the family at www.smithfuneralhomewoodbury.net Smith Funeral Home, (615)563-5337