Sarah Ada Howell, age 45, of St. Louis, Missouri, passed away May 4, 2024, in Kirkwood, Missouri. Sarah was born June 27, 1978, to Paul and Mary Lou (Stafford) Howell in Springfield, Missouri.
Sarah worked at the Jennings and Confluence School Districts in St. Louis, Missouri, as an educator—-teaching, coaching, and assistant principal for 22 years. She had recently been hired by the Hazelwood School District to begin a new chapter in her life.
Sarah was an avid, competitive game player and sports fan, especially the St. Louis Cardinals and Denver Broncos. She was a gifted athlete, participating in many sports throughout her life. Sarah loved the outdoors and enjoyed traveling to various scenic locations.
Sarah loved her family. She had a strong faith in God and believed in the power of prayer. She was known for her bright smile, contagious laugh, quick wit, and generous spirit. She had a multitude of friends, family members, and students who loved her. She will be greatly missed.
She is survived by her parents Paul and Mary Lou Howell, Thayer, MO; sister Marjorie Howell, Thayer, MO; brother Clayton Howell(Crystal),Thayer, MO; sister Dawn Johnson, (Jeremiah), Gardiner MT; she had special nephews and a niece Casey Howell (Melissa Whitworth), Garden City, MO; Tyler Harkleroad (Kennidy Helmick), Little Rock, AR; Cody Howell (Isaphene Pierce), Koshkonong, MO; Wyatt and Madison Johnson, Gardiner, MT; great-nephews Kayson, Kylyn, Samuel, Ryan, Chancey, and Lane.
She was preceded in death by her maternal grandmother, Charlotte Childers; her paternal grandparents, Fred and Ada Howell; and several other loved family members.
Funeral services will be held on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri. Visitation will be Thursday May 9, 2024, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. at Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri.
Interment will be on Saturday, May 11, 2024, in Koshkonong Cemetery, Koshkonong, Missouri with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home, Inc. in Thayer, Missouri.
May 8, 2024 @ 12:08 pm
This just breaks my heart. May our God comfort and encourage each of you as only He can and may you feel His loving arms around you as you lean on Him during this extremely difficult time.
May 8, 2024 @ 1:21 pm
We are so devastated over your loss, she will be greatly missed , her spirit will live in us all . As you remember the love, the loss, and as you celebrate her life, Know she is in the Lords loving arms, I pray it gives you some peace and strength until you meet again. Our deepest Sympathy Clarence & Donna Ball
May 13, 2024 @ 9:29 am
We are so sorry for your loss! Your family is in our hearts and prayers. – Kimmy Keech, Pearley Dixon and family
May 8, 2024 @ 1:26 pm
Sarah was an amazing friend, leader, principal and person. She will be missed daily by so many people. Sarah touched so many children’s hearts and guided them in the right path. I was privileged to have worked under her at Confluence Academy South City! I will always picture her with that big smile she had that would light up a room. We love you Howell!
May 12, 2024 @ 9:34 pm
Marjorie and family, I’m so sad to hear this. My immediate memories of Sarah was her long blonde hair and how hard she played basketball. Her face and skin would get so red because she was playing so hard!
I’m glad to read that she stayed active in her beloved sports.
With deepest condolences to all.
May 8, 2024 @ 1:55 pm
I’m lost and broken. You were one of my besties and felt like my sister. Thank you for everything that you did for South City and for me. I will love and miss you forever!
May 8, 2024 @ 3:37 pm
You will forever be missed, Howell. Your smile would light up any room you walk in. South City will not be the same without you. I am mostly going to miss hearing you lock your car 4 times each morning, thats how I (and everyone) knew you have arrived. Thank You for being a great leader and friend.
May 8, 2024 @ 4:33 pm
you brought me to stl, just for me to lose you…miss you…
May 8, 2024 @ 4:40 pm
Your advocacy for students and pursuit of excellence personally and professionally inspired many. May your legacy continue to shine through students you’ve impacted & teachers you’ve mentored. We are crushed.
May 8, 2024 @ 4:40 pm
So sorry for your loss. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers. If you need anything we are here.
May 8, 2024 @ 4:58 pm
We will all miss Sarah Howell more than words can express. She was not only our co-worker but also our good friend and a great leader. She was the light to any problem. Sarah, you will continue to shine in our hearts ❤️.
May 8, 2024 @ 5:13 pm
My heartfelt condolences to the family. I want you to know how loved and respected Sarah was by all. Sarah was a bright spot in so many lives. Her smile was contagious. Sarah had a tremendous impact on every life that had the privilege and honor to be around her. Over the last 6 years, I had the privilege to work with Sarah to ensure high quality services to our special education students. She always put the needs of others before herself. I am going to deeply miss talking with Sarah. She wasn’t just a colleague, I called her my friend.
Fly high my friend until we meet again! I shall miss your smile.
May 8, 2024 @ 6:54 pm
I will miss you Ms. Howell. Thank you for everything. You did a lot for SC, the teachers, and kids. I remember how much love (T-shirts) and appreciation you showed us everyday and especially during this week. Thank you and rest in peace.
May 8, 2024 @ 7:23 pm
My deepest heartfelt condolences to your family. Sarah was a light that brightened every room. Her smile was contagious. I am truly going to miss our conversations. Sarah was deeply loved and respected by all that knew her. Sarah had a tremendous impact on the students and staff at South City Academy. She is going to be missed by all.
I am honored to have called you friend. You will be missed. Our lives will never be the same! Till we meet again, fly high my friend.
May 9, 2024 @ 12:06 am
She was a sweet person. I loved her very much. PRAYING FOR U ALL. FOR STRENGTH AND COMFORT. LOVE U ALL. KATRINA (PHIPPS) whitmer
May 9, 2024 @ 5:49 am
My deepest and heart felt sympathy to the family.
May 9, 2024 @ 8:56 am
Sarah Howell
Excellent human being, good friend and confidant, with a smile that illuminated the heart of whoever was in her presence. She was always there for her students no matter the time or day. May God grant peace to the hearts of her entire family and cover them with his holy blood in these difficult times.
Always in our hearts
May 9, 2024 @ 9:19 am
Howell, it is so unbelievable to even have to write this message. My prayers are with everyone right now as they try and keep going on. You are and were truly loved by so many people. You have a true gift of bringing out the best in people that you saw potential in. I am going to miss you dearly. South City will forever be graced by your presence, leadership and family aura. You truly supported me in pursuing my purpose. I would not be here today if you would not have pushed me to apply. That’s the leader in you that I will truly miss. Rest well and peacefully Sarah better known to me as HOWELL! <3
May 9, 2024 @ 12:37 pm
Ms. Howell,
Even though we had only known each other for a short time, only 1 year and 161 days, I would be remiss if I did not share the impact of who you were, because it touched even I. In a time span that is just really a drop in the ocean compared to the many that have loved you, I truly think that is a testament in and of itself to who you were. You were precise, tough, by the book, but every single decision made with love. Any interaction I saw between you and student was strong, and always ended with a smile, and a hug. You took the time and attention to form the relationships you had with your students, and teachers. Your heart was as big and beautiful as your smile, and it showed in all aspects of your life. I will never forget the countless previous students that would come and ask to see you specifically. How you would light up the minute you recognized them, trying to look for the young person you once knew in their now mature stature. You had your hands and mind in every aspect of our school. If there was something that needed to be done or answered, you were the go to person. You would not stop until the answers were found and things were in place. You, unfailingly, aided and supported everyone in this building. They need only ask. I will always remember the way you would come in the office with your jokes and sarcastic remarks, diffusing any tension and bringing forth some much needed lightheartedness to our day. And I will never forget the moments we have gotten to speak personally. Thank you for your kindness. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your influence. You are going to be sorely missed.
May 9, 2024 @ 12:41 pm
Sarah was a wonderful person. The Lord gain one very special angel. Our thoughts and prayers are with you in this difficult time.
May 9, 2024 @ 3:16 pm
I’ve known Sarah for 11 years. Sarah was one of the best educators I’ve had the experience to work with in my 37 years in education. She deeply cared about her students and refused to accept mediocrity and failure from them. Sarah had a true gift as an educator where she was a firm disciplinarian but did it in a way that the students knew she cared.
I spoke with Sarah almost daily the past three years. She and I would frequently dish out sarcasm and banter to each other. I will miss that along with her beautiful smile and wonderful personality. God bless her and her family.
May 9, 2024 @ 3:39 pm
Ms. S. Howell has and will still have a long lasting presences within my heart forever. I known her for a short period of time but Ms. Howell had the biggest impact on me. She was their for me in toughest time of my life. I lost my mom from the battle of cancer. She called me to make sure I was okay. We had a morning routine it was like a check-in. She would say Hey Washington! I would say Hello Ms. Howell. She had a loving spirit, nice smile and loved the children with all her heart. Ms. Howell wanted to make everyone feel welcome. I’m still shocked to my core. My heart felt deepest condolences for the entire family. She was not just an assistant principal but like a long lost friend. May Ms. Sarah Howell rest in peace and power.
South City Academy Family
Minister Courtney Washington
May 9, 2024 @ 4:23 pm
Sarah was a kind, generous person who loved life and loved the work that she did as an educator! Sarah was loved by everyone with whom she met. She was a caring person who loved her students as she only wanted the best for them! Sarah will be missed by everyone! May she rest in peace!
May 9, 2024 @ 10:15 pm
Ms. Sarah was a unique and special person. I remember her fondly from high school, and pray a comfort that surpasses all understanding for her family and friends who are in a world of upheaval with her sudden departure from earth. I have no doubt her bright smile and plucky attitude are shining down from Heaven’s gates! Rest easy, Sarah.
May 11, 2024 @ 1:30 pm
Sarah was a great friend through our years of school together (K-12), we even sat by each other at graduation. It breaks my heart to hear this news and I am so sorry for your loss, Howell family. You all will be in my prayers in the days and weeks to come. Sarah was always a steady friend through our years of growing up together. She will be missed, but never forgotten. Love and prayers to you all in the Howell family, you have been a part of my life many years as parents, bus driver, school maintenance, etc. There really are no words in a time like this, I send love, condolences, and prayers for your peace and comfort.
May 10, 2024 @ 10:00 am
Howell, finding the right words to convey my gratitude is a challenge. You embraced me, guiding me not only in educational decisions but also providing the nurturing ground for my growth. Acting as my backbone, you took me under your wing, treating me like your own, providing care precisely when I needed it. Beyond being an administrator, you were a friend. Your absence will leave a void, yet I’ll cherish every piece of advice you gave me. I wish we had more time and I hope you realize the depth of my appreciation for you.
May 10, 2024 @ 11:10 am
I’m sorry for your loss!!! May you find peace and comfort in the days ahead!!
May 10, 2024 @ 12:06 pm
She touched a lot of lives, including mine. She was an advocate for students and had a tireless energy for bettering the profession.
May 10, 2024 @ 5:06 pm
Ms. Howell, I will miss you greatly. Your impact will be felt for decades to come and your memory will live on forever. You were a great friend and mentor to me while we worked together at Confluence. The years we co-taught PE together were some of the most fun I’ve ever had in any job. We made quite a duo I must say! You taught me a lot about discipline and accountability, and because of our time together I am a better professional and person. I’m so thankful I had the chance to tell you these things years ago, although you modestly took little credit and instead shared how proud you were of what I had gone on to do- very much in your style. I believe your exact words were something alone the lines of, “What are you thanking me for? You did the work!” You always believed in others and pushed people to be a better version of themselves, whether those people were students, coworkers, or friends. I’ll keep the memories, stories, and laughs we shared together with me forever. Until we meet again my friend! ❤️
May 10, 2024 @ 7:29 pm
I am a transplant to St. Louis and Sarah made the transition easier for me. Just helping me to learn how to navigate the area from home to South City was my greatest challenge the first year and she talked me through all the options. In every situation she proved herself to be my friend. Good natured ribbing, tough conversations, and integrity – I couldn’t ask for a better person to have been my first friend at South City. There is a place in my heart that is always and forever for her.
You have my sincerest condolences. Thank you for gifted us with her for this season of our lives.
May 11, 2024 @ 4:16 am
Sarah was truly one of a kind. She could brighten up a room with her laugh and smile. A beautiful soul. Kind hearted, hard working, passionate, just an amazing person all around. I will miss her greatly. The world needs more people like her.
May 11, 2024 @ 8:38 am
Sarah was the most kind generous woman, she loved life, family, children, I’m so honored to have gotten to know her..God has received a BEAUTIFUL ANGEL!!
May 11, 2024 @ 12:23 pm
Howell , every time I look at a pic or video of you all I can do is cry. I don’t want to believe the news but I have to face the facts. I am going to miss your smile and laughs . I know this was your last year at south city but I will cherish every memory I had with you. Thank you for watching over Marli when Banks had to coach and I wasn’t there. Thank you for always greeting me with open arms when you seen me. We had many personal conversations that I can still laugh about and tell Banks. South City isn’t going to be the same without you . You left a forever impression on every single person you had an encounter with especially me. I love you miss Howell and I wish I could’ve told you that. Continue to smile in heaven as you did on earth. Until we meet again rest peacefully ❤️.
May 11, 2024 @ 9:44 pm
Bro. And Sis. Howell and family, my heart breaks for you!! I pray for God’s comforting hand in this time of great sorrow!!❤️
May 13, 2024 @ 9:31 am
We are so sorry for your loss! Your family is in our hearts and prayers. – Kimmy Keech, Pearley Dixon and family
May 13, 2024 @ 4:59 pm
I am so sorry to hear of Sarah’s passing. I enjoyed having her in my math class at Koshkonong. I extend my deepest sympathy to her family and friends.
May 14, 2024 @ 9:58 am
Howell we had great times together, and even greater conversations about faith and family. And as much as it pains me that you are gone I find peace knowing you are resting in our father’s arms. May your life and the light you carried so brightly be a testament to others of Christ’s Light and Love and an example for all you touched to follow. I honor you for all you have done for our scholars their families and the community we serve. Your Spirit still resonates strong at South City and your work, love, and light will continue to shine through every life you touched. May the Holy Spirit comfort and grant peace to your family, friends, and all broken by this tragic loss. May we each be healed and celebrate a life well lived, one of Christ’s Good and Faithful Servant Leaders who has earned and received her “Well Done”! Forever you will live in my heart Howell, til we meet again!