Thelma Louise Howell

Thelma Louise Howell went to be with her Heavenly Father on Saturday, April 13th with her daughters by her side. She was born February 22, 1927 in Palestine, Texas. She married Carson Howell, the love of her life, on April 7, 1947 and shortly afterwards moved to Baytown. She is survived by her three daughters: Jan Marie Oakley and husband Jimmy of Frisco, Texas; Judy Lynn Piatt and husband Randy of Baytown, Texas and Pati Sue Canon and husband Lynn of Broaddus, Texas. Grandchildren Jeff Martin and wife Heather; Heather Abshire and husband Mike; Zach Canon and wife Brittany; Dyana Hutto and husband Blake and daughter-in-law Brooke Harada. Great grandchildren are Jaylon, Heidi, Paige, Carson, Jonah, Saydie, Gram, Caleb, BriAnn, Sutton and Titus. And a host of nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband Carson Howell, her siblings Porter Watts, Jesse Watts, Roger Watts and Bulah Mae Macey and her grandson Michael Stephen Piatt.

Thelma was active in her community. She participated in PTA and volunteered in various school activities of her daughters. Thelma loved her church, Memorial Baptist. Her passion was missions and she led the WMU. Thelma loved to visit the new babies on the Cradle Roll and present them with a Bible. She was active with the prison ministry and taught Sunday School in the children and adult department.

However, Thelma was best known as a prayer warrior. She was a constant presence in the prayer room and encouraged others to participate. Burdened hearts of church members, friends or family always knew Thelma could be called on to lift them up in prayer at anytime; on the phone or in person. During her first meal at The Waterford, she invited everyone at her table to bow their heads as she said grace. She never forgot it and grace has now become a custom there. Thelma’s desire was for everyone to know Jesus Christ as their Saviour. Her life was an example of Luke 10:27 “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the staff at The Waterford who provided exceptional care with dignity and love. A special thank you to caregivers Stella Gurrola and Rachel Leon. And our hearts are grateful to Debbie Nailon RN with Tradition Hospice.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday April 16th at 9 AM at Memorial Baptist Church followed by the service at 10 AM with Rev Randy Piatt officiating and music by Joel Davis and Mark Harden. Graveside service will be held at 4 PM, at Garden of Memories Cemetery in Elkhart, Texas. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Memorial Baptist Church.