Catherine J. "Kaye" Howell Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Catherine J. “Kaye” Howell, 81, of Marion, IL passed peacefully in her home at 7:25 a.m. on Wednesday, October 5, 2016, with her son Bob and her granddaughter Stephanie by her side following a heroic ten year battle with cancer. Kaye was born in her grandmother Edith Armstrong's farmhouse in Benton, IL, on Monday, April 15, 1935, the daughter of Lena Pearline (Armstrong) Reed and Lloyd Reed. Growing up she attended Old Baron and Hill City Schools before entering Benton High School. At a young age she was united in marriage to Charles Lindy Barnfield and subsequently had three sons Alan, Robert and later Timothy. She later was united in marriage to Charles E. Howell on Friday, June 28, 1974, in Benton and together they have shared the last 42 years. Deciding after her first two sons that being a housewife was not her avocation she started attending the Vocational Technical Institute at Southern Illinois University. Upon completion of its two year degree program in commercial art she then went on to finish a Bachelor of Arts in art education at Southern Illinois University to become an art teacher. She continued her education at Southern Illinois University while also obtaining a Master of Arts degree in higher education and a Specialist degree in higher education. She also attended classes at the Art Institute of Chicago and the Atlanta Art Institute. As an honors student she was nominated and became a member of Phi Kappa Phi and Delta Kappa Gamma Honor societies. Her first position as an art educator was in Benton as a traveling teacher providing art classes to the various elementary schools in the district. After several years in Benton she secured the position of art teacher at Marion High School. While at Marion High School she developed a vocational commercial art program while also teaching studio, pottery, print making and other media. She also founded the Arts Honor Society program at the high school. She was named Art Educator of the Year by the State of Illinois and runner up for Teacher of the Year. Many of her students from Marion High School went on to become artists or commercial artists and because of her teaching and mentoring have communicated with her over the years for advice, support and friendship. While teaching at Marion High School she also taught studio classes at Southern Illinois University and John A Logan College. After her retirement from Marion High School she continued her career at John A Logan College and finally fully retired at the age of 73. In addition to her professional career she was active in professional, political, social and business activities. She was a partner in the advertising firm of Preston and Howell. Inc., member of the Advisory Board of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, higher education Curriculum Evaluator for the North Central Association, founding member, president and Board of Directors member of Little Egypt Arts Association, founding member of the Downstate Artists Association, member of the Advisory Board of Mitchell Museum, Board of Directors member of The Hartley and founder of the Little Egypt Writers Society. Coming from a political family Kaye developed her interests by being mentored by her cousin Bobby Armstrong who had her walking precincts at a very young age. She then went on to become one of the longest serving Democratic precinct committeewomen in Williamson County while also founding the Williamson County Democratic Women's Association. Her service was honored when she was made Honorary Chairwoman of the Williamson County Democratic Party and made a member of its executive committee. Kaye was an award winning artist for over 50 years. Painting in various styles and utilizing various media to create her art. Her art hangs mostly in private collections in the United States and Europe. She passed on her love of painting to her son Bob who also became an award winning artist while continuing his professional career in engineering. In addition to her work in the visual arts she was a published author giving many book signings and readings in the area. She is a member of the Aldersgate United Methodist Church of Marion and the Homebuilders Sunday School Class. Kaye also was a 50 year member of Beta Sigma Phi Sorority, a member of the American Association of University Women, The Farm Bureau, and the SIU Alumni Association. She is survived by her husband, Charles E. Howell; two sons and daughter-in-law, Alan Barnfield and his wife Victoria and Robert Barnfield; two granddaughters, Stephanie Barnfield Holman and her husband Scott and Alyssa Barnfield Ochwat; from her granddaughter Stephanie, Kaye has one great grandson, Wesley Lovan; two stepdaughters, Crystal Culp and her husband David and Carla Hudgens; sister, Janis Thomas and husband Skip and her brother David Goodin and his wife Pauletta. Also by special family members; Dorothy Nolan, Karla Webb and caregivers and friends; Jewell Young, Peggy Forthman, Carmen Allen, Ann Marie Mayo, Victoria Hartley and Curt Hartley and her many friends. Kaye was preceded in death by her mother, Lena Pearline Goodin; father Lloyd Reed; son, Timothy Michael Barnfield, grandson, Timothy Christian Barnfield; three sisters, Judith Milligan, Mary Helen Bennett, Nancy Shaw and brother, Marvin “Butch” Reed. Arrangements for Catherine J. “Kaye” Howell were entrusted to Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court St., Marion, IL. The visitation was on Sunday, October 9th, between the hours of 4:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. at the funeral home. The visitation resumed at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, October 10, 2016, at Aldersgate United Methodist Church, located at 1201 N. Fair St. in Marion and continued until 2:00 p.m. During the time of visitation a “Reflection of Life” DVD Memorial Tribute was presented to the family and friends. Following the time of visitation the funeral service was at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Richard Lance and Rev. Dr. Tim Ozment presiding. The prelude and postlude musical selections were presented by pianist, Judy Hopkins. The service began with pianist, Judy Hopkins presenting the instrumental musical selection “Amazing Grace”. Special recorded musical selections presented during the service were “The Theme Song from Rocky” and “Go Rest High on That Mountain” by Vince Gill. Also presented was the vocal musical selection “In the Garden” by Marlene Webb with pianist, Judy Hopkins accompanying. Serving as flower ladies were Carmen Allen, Elva Prince, Peggy Forthman, Ann Marie Mayo, Jewell Young and Betty Jesse. Interment followed in the Masonic & Odd Fellows Cemetery in Benton, IL. Pallbearers were Scott Holman, Ronnie Martin, Bill Forthman, Shane Lovan, Dakota Culp and Ray Farmer. Following the committal service at the cemetery the family and friends gathered back at Aldersgate Church for a meal and continued time of fellowship and support. For those who preferred, memorial contributions were made to “Barnfield Children’s Education Fund” and mailed in care of Wilson-McReynolds Funeral Home, 900 N. Court Street, Marion, IL 62959. Memorial envelopes were available at the church and the funeral home.For additional information please contact the funeral home by calling 618-993-2131.

Catherine J. "Kaye" Howell

April 15, 1935 - October 5, 2016