Charles Augustus Howell

Rev. Charles Augustus Howell, 85, of Acworth, GA, passed away on February 13, 2014 at Tranquility Hospice after an extended battle with Alzheimer's Disease. The funeral service will be held on Monday, February 17, at 1 PM at Mt. Paran North Church of God, Marietta, GA, with interment to follow at Arlington Memorial Park, Atlanta, GA. Rev. Dr. Paul L. Walker & Rev. Jerry Howell will officiate.

Charles ("Sonny") Howell was born in Plant City, Florida, on December 14, 1928, to A.V. ("Gus") and Eva Howell. He spent his childhood years in Florida towns from Plant City to Cross City to Fort Lauderdale, as his father and mother pioneered churches across the state. Charles attended Lee College in Cleveland, Tennessee, and upon completion, began 47 years of pastoral ministry. In 1951, he began his first pastorate in Dunedin, FL. In April of 1952, he married his college sweetheart, Clara Jayne Symes, of Cleveland, TN. Beginning in 1954, Reverend Howell became the pastor at Orange Avenue Church of God, where he served hundreds of families until 1978, when he accepted an appointment to North Jacksonville Church of God in Jacksonville, FL. In order to help care for his aging parents, Charles moved to the metro-Atlanta area in 1982. While there, he pastored congregations at Southside Church of God in Hapeville, and served as Co-Pastor at East Point Church of God before retiring from full time ministry in 1998. During his decades of ministry with the Church of God, Reverend Howell served as a District Overseer, on State Councils, and on National Boards.

Rarely seen without a smile on his face or met without a positive, encouraging word, Charles faithfully loved his Lord, his family, people, and the outdoors. He was a gentle man with a kind heart who was a real-life representation of the Good Shepherd.

Charles Howell is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Clara Jayne Symes Howell of Acworth, Georgia, his daughters, Beverly Johnson (Randy) of Tyler, TX, Debi McMahan (Mike) of Marietta, GA, Darla Cook (Rick) of Tuscaloosa, AL, Lisa Bennett of Tampa, FL, and his sons, Craig Howell (Susan) of Sylvester, GA. and Charles Augustus (Sonny) Howell III (Sarah) of Columbus, GA. He is survived by 16 grandchildren, 5 great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews. Charles is also survived by his sister, Carmelita Walker (Paul) and his brother, Jerry Howell (Brenda), both of Atlanta. He was preceded in death by his parents, Rev. A.V. and Eva Howell, Atlanta, GA, and his sister, Pecola Jean Johnson, Marietta, GA.

Beverly, Debi, Darla, Craig, Lisa, and Sonny would like to express their deepest appreciation to their mother, Jayne, for her commitment to the care of their father. She was so lavish and selfless in the care that she gave their Dad as he was in the grip of Alzheimers. It would be impossible to find a more loving, devoted wife. If the entire world were searched, her equal would not be found. Her commitment to serve and care for our father has meant the world to us. We love you dearly. Mother, you are incredible!

Jayne and the children would like to express their heartfelt gratitude for the care, compassion, and dedication of the men and women who served Charles six years while he was in nursing facilities in Columbus, Sylvester, Marietta, and Woodstock. We want to extend an extra special thanks to the gracious staff of Tranquility Hospice in Marietta. Their conscientious and compassionate handling of every need was so special to our family.

The family will receive friends at Woodstock Funeral Home in Woodstock, GA, on February 16, from 5pm - 7pm.