Shirley L. Howell, age 57, of Marion, IL, passed away at 5:25 a.m. on Saturday, February 6, 2010, in Heartland Regional Medical Center, Marion, IL.
Shirley was born on December 5, 1952, in Marion, the daughter of Leonard and Dorothy (Trexler) Pritchett.
She was united in marriage to Wayne Howell on May 19, 1978 and together they shared over 29 years of marriage until his death, December 6, 2007.
Shirley was a lifelong active member, holding several offices, of the Fountain United Methodist Church south of Marion. She was a homemaker and was well known for being a breeder of thoroughbred race horses, including a few champions. Her interests and hobbies included sewing, a love of gardening and cooking, her specialty was “Apple Butter Stack Cake” and “Chicken-n-dumplings”. Throughout her life she took in orphan animals, including, “Boo Boo” a black bear. She was always willing to help her family and friends and those less fortunate. Her granddaughter Harley, who she was raising, was the love of her life with whom she shared her knowledge of cooking and her love of animals and life. Sacrecia, her daughter was an important part of her life, giving her mother the love and help she needed in her final days. She spent many special times with her niece Chayla, teaching her cooking skills and sharing their love of animals. She also spent many wonderful moments with her nieces and nephews, sharing in fun and helping them in times of need. She loved the precious times spent with family and friends and she was the life of the sister’s slumber parties.
She is survived by her daughter, Sacrecia Anne Howell of Marion; granddaughter, “her little sweetheart” Harley Keck, who she was raising; five sisters and four brothers-in-law, Mazo “Geraldine” and Murtis Nix of Booneville, IN, Betty Ann and Roger Smith of West Frankfort, IL, Carolyne Sue Weir of Marion, IL, Barbara and Ward Heilig, Jr. of Marion, IL and Sandra and Danny Mann of Energy, IL; two Brothers and sisters-in-law, Bob and Kathy Pritchett of Marion, IL and Edward and Cathy Pritchett of Mt. Carmel, IL; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews and a special cousin; other extended family members and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, Wayne Howell.
Arrangements for Shirley L. Howell were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., of Marion, IL.
The time of visitation for family and friends was from 5:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the funeral home.
The funeral service was at 6:00 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2010, at Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home with Rev. Kevin McNeely presiding.
The prelude vocal musical selections presented were “Blue Suede Shoes” by Elvis Presley and “That’s Amore” by Dean Martin as recorded selections. Special recorded vocal musical selections presented during the service were “The Old Rugged Cross” by Cristy Lane, “In the Garden” by Elvis Presley, “Amazing Grace” by Elvis Presley and “Wind Beneath My Wings” by Bette Midler. The postlude vocal musical selection presented was “Memories” by Elvis Presley as a recorded selection.
After the service the family and friends gathered at Fountain United Methodist Church, located south of Marion, for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support.
For those who preferred memorial contributions were made to “Fountain United Methodist Church” or “Hospice of Southern Illinois” and mailed in care of, Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, P.O. Box 370, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial contribution envelopes were available at the funeral home.
For additional information please contact the funeral home, by calling 618-993-2131.
