Gloria Ruth Howell

Gloria graduated Salutatorian in 1942 from Cedar Bayou High School, where she was in the drum and bugle corp. She was employed by Humble Oil in the lab during WWII. It was this connection that led her to her husband of 67 years, Herschell A Howell. They were married in Ozark, Alabama on May 17, 1944, while Herschell was serving in the U.S. Army.

The Howells were longtime residents of Baytown, Texas; there they raised three children and enjoyed seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. They were members of St. John’s United Methodist Church for over 65 years. Gloria took her faith seriously. At St. John’s, she served as a Sunday and Bible School teacher and Methodist Youth Fellowship Director, was a member and officer in the United Methodist Women, as well as a UMW District Officer for many years. Mrs. Howell also sang in the church choir and was often featured as a soloist. Gloria did volunteer work at the United Methodist Church Thrift Shop, as well as the local library adult illiteracy program.

Gloria loved children. Being a mother was her greatest achievement. She was a selfless woman with a big smile; her life was spent in service to others – she took care of people. The Master said ‘Well done, good and faithful servant’ Matthew 25:23.

Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, Wyatt Cross and Minnie Estelle (Smith) Cross; husband, Herschell A Howell; brother, Elmon Cross; sister, Vivian Hock and son-in-law, J.J. “Jug” Budnek.

She is survived by daughters, Cheryl Budnek of Atascocita and Debbie Gonzalez and husband, Arthur of Denver, CO; son Al Howell and wife, Patty of Huffman; sister, Marinelle (Cross) Atwell of Baytown; brothers Glenn Cross of Crockett, David Cross and wife, Jeanell of Baytown and Larry Cross of San Leon; grandchildren, Christine Bruton and husband Dane, Dana Minor and husband Josh, Darren Edge and wife, Jessica, Trey Gonzalez and wife, Stefanie, Jay Ainsworth and wife, Ashley, Staci Cooper and husband, Michael and Matthew Howell and wife Rachel; and great-grandchildren, Kirby Rosser, Alyx Minor, Aidan Minor, Lilly Gonzalez, Blake Ainsworth, Bryce Ainsworth, Charlotte Ainsworth, Keely Cooper and Brayden Howell.

The Howell family would like to thank Houston Extended Care in Kingwood, under the direction of Daniela Vancia for the loving care given to their mother.

Her family will receive friends at Earthman Baytown Funeral Home on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 from 9:00-10:00 a.m. Funeral services will immediately follow at 10:00 a.m. with Rev. Jim Welch officiating. Entombment will follow at Earthman Memory Gardens Cemetery Mausoleum.

Serving as pallbearers will be Dane Bruton, Josh Minor, Darren Edge, Trey Gonzalez, Jay Ainsworth, Michael Cooper and Matthew Howell.

To view the online obituary and post a tribute for the family visit www.earthmanbaytown.com.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Earthman Funeral Home, 3919 Garth Rd., Baytown, TX 77521; (281) 422-8181.