Annie Nell Abernathy Howell

Annie Nell Howell, 91, of Newton, NC, entered her heavenly home on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Born on November 24, 1933, to Homer Clarence and Annie May Hollar Abernathy, she was baptized on January 21, 1934, and confirmed in her faith on March 30, 1947.

Ann’s life was a beautiful tapestry woven with love for her church, family, and simple joys. She cherished playing Rummikub with her sisters, attending family reunions to connect with her kinfolk, and spending time at her beach house in Ocean Lakes Family Campground. A creative soul, she found delight in crafting, painting scenic canvases, and making prayer shawls. Ann also had a passion for country music and line dancing, proudly co-owning Cactus Jacks, a country line dance club in Conover during the late 1990s. Above all, her deepest devotion was to her Lord and Savior.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Homer and Annie Abernathy; her beloved husband and the love of her life, Harry Howell; her first husband, Aubrey Lay; her son, Rick Lay; her brother, Clarence Eugene Abernathy; her sisters, Mabel Carrigan, Jean Carter, Marie Pope, Treva Sweezy, and Margaret Huffman; and her granddaughter-in-law, Chelsea Smith.

Ann leaves behind a legacy of love and family. She is survived by her daughter, Gail Crotts (Tab); her grandchildren, Lane Huffman, Kim Smith, Brian Dale Lay, and Amanda Summers; her daughter-in-law, Janice Stout; her great-grandchildren, Dylan Smith, Morgan Smith, and Cameron Summers; and her great-great-grandchildren, Silas and Abigail Smith.

The family will receive friends on Wednesday, March 12, 2025, from 2:00 to 2:45 p.m. at Bethel Lutheran Church in Claremont, with a Memorial Service to follow at 3:00 p.m. Pallbearers will be Clayton Abernathy, Chris Abernathy, JV Huffman, Derek Colson, Gary Abernathy, and Kevin Smith.

Memorials may be made to Bethel Lutheran Church’s general fund, 5759 Bolick Road, Claremont, NC 28610 or at https://www.bethelms.org/give.