Mary Elizabeth Howell

Mary was born to Lucille and Kendrick Vancleave on March 18, 1931, at Elk Grove Farm, a historic estate in Hopkinsville, KY, where she was raised along with her two late sisters, Margaret Dougherty and Martha Stahl.

After attending Bowling Green Business University, she married her true love, the late Willie (Bill) Howell, a United States Naval officer who was the epitome of an “Officer and a Gentleman.” She absolutely loved their time stationed in Trinidad where they welcomed their two children. After shorter stints at naval bases in Norfolk, VA and Charleston, SC, they retired from military service and set down roots in Orlando, FL. Remarkably, Mary was able to remain living independently in the same house since 1962, which was always meticulously organized, spotlessly clean, and full of memories.

Throughout her life, her greatest joys were raising her children and grandchildren, hosting parties, shopping, and selecting the perfect gifts for everyone, earning her the nickname “Mary Christmas.” She never met a stranger. In fact, she would learn everyone’s life story and took so much delight in sharing those stories about people we had never and would never meet.

After a long and happy marriage, Mary dedicatedly cared for Bill for ten years through a long and difficult illness before he passed in 2006. Mary is also predeceased by her son, Dan Howell.

Mary is survived by her daughter Debra Posgai (husband Scott Posgai); eight grandchildren Casey Howell, Amanda Posgai Simmons (husband Christopher Simmons), Forrest Howell, Danielle Howell, Sarah Howell (partner Tyler Barnes), Savannah Liddell (husband Brian Liddell), Alexis Howell Rosenzweig (husband Paul Rosenzweig), and Lacie Howell; and three great-grandchildren Hunter Smith (14), Benjamin Howell (11), and Adelais Simmons (4).

Family and friends are welcome to attend a colorful celebration of her life, which will be held at Woodlawn Memorial Park & Funeral Home on Friday, February 2, 2024, with a viewing at 10 am followed by the service at 11 am.

Fond memories & kind condolences may be offered to the Howell family in the online guest book below.