Helen Lavonia Benson Howell

Helen “Lavonia” Howell of Savannah, age 84, died peacefully Monday evening at Hospice of Savannah, surrounded by the love of her family and friends. She was born October 1, 1926 in Irwin County, GA. She grew up on her families’ farm in Jeff Davis County. At age 17, she left home to work at the Brunswick Shipyard. She moved to Savannah in 1959, raised her family and worked at PhotoCraft for many years, also at McDonalds and was retired as a alterations seamtress from Belk’s of Savannah.

She was predeceased by her parents Otis & Marie Benson, her husband Julian Howell and son Waymon Howell. Also two brothers, Royce and Edward Benson.

She is survived by two daughters, Denise Howell Tyler and Debra Hall. Two brothers, O.C. Benson and Willard Benson. Three sisters, Maudine Ricks, Vernell Burgess and Joyce Williams. She also has 7 grandchildren that she cherished. She has numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and close friends. She managed to show us all that each of us leads a life of interest & value and that each one of us is unique with our own special gifts.

She was a charter member and very involved with the First Assembly of God in Savannah.

The service to celebrate the life of this remarkable woman will be held Friday, January 21 at Fairview Funeral Home/Hubert Baker Chapel on Hodgson Memorial Drive in Savannah. Visitation will be from 10-11:00 am with service to follow there at 11:30 am and burial afterwards at 2:00 pm at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens.

The family would like to thank all who cared for her helped her to remain independent in her home until her final day.