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West Plains, MO Location (417) 256-4141

Thayer, MO Location (417) 264-7242

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Lavern Howell
Lavern Howell

M. Lavern Howell, known as “Mama Howell” passed away August 2, 2016 at Ozarks Medical Center in West Plains, Missouri, at the age of 82 years, and 8 months. She had declining health for the past several years. She was born December 2, 1933 in Oregon County, Missouri, the daughter of John Huston and Pearl Holloway Brazeal.

Most importantly, Mama Howell loved her Savior, Jesus, her King, and had been His faithful and diligent servant since 1950, when at age 17 she gave Him her life and was called into the ministry. She preached numerous revivals, and she and Daddy pastored Stony Point Church, Koshkonong, Missouri for many years and hundreds were saved as a result of their ministry. She played the guitar and sang and would preach anywhere she was asked, including several brush arbor meetings in the 1950’s. When she was only 13, she met the love of her life, Vernon Howell, but did not date him until she was 18. She kept her eye on him for 5 years, then in December, 1951 she began a 7 year courtship with him, and on December 25, 1958 was united in marriage to him in Springfield, Missouri. Two of mother’s highest callings were being a faithful, devoted wife, and a Godly, loving mother. She loved her husband and children more than anything besides her Lord, who was always first in her life. She never worked outside the home, but was faithful to pinch pennies and do anything she could so that she was always home with her children. She was of the Pentecostal faith and Mama is known throughout this area for her strict standards, and straight living. She loved to wear long, colorful dresses, jackets and shoes to match, and her “bee hive” hairdos. One of Mama’s greatest pleasures was accompanying her family, The Howell Family, to Gospel concerts in churches across the land the past 34 years. If she could possibly go, she would not miss a singing. She would sometimes be one of the very first to board the old bus to take off for another singing, no matter how tired. She never failed to thank God for each of her children accepting Jesus as their personal Savior and having a desire to work for her King.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Huse and Pearl Brazeal; and eight sisters, Ruby Brazeal, Neoma Phipps, Edith Roe, infant Margaret Brazeal, Eva Cameron, Cordelia Phipps, Grace McKeel and Mildred Forester.

Lavern is survived by her husband, Vernon, of the home; and 5 children, Martha Tuttle, husband Roger, of West Plains, Missouri, Miriam LeGrand, husband Fred, of Viola, Arkansas, Daniel Howell, wife Tammy, of Thayer, Missouri, Elisabeth DeShane, husband Kenn, of Xi’an, China, and David Howell, wife Rhonda, of West Plains, Missouri; 5 grandchildren, Katelyn Howell, Chloe Howell, Madelyn DeShane, Dawson Howell, and Caleb DeShane; 1 step grandson, Matthew Franks, many nieces and nephews and numerous loving relatives and friends.

Mama’s last months were spent with Dad Howell and the loving, caring staff of Shady Oaks Nursing Center in Thayer. She was very appreciative of her care, and made many friends and lasting relationships in her short time there. Mama would speak of praying with the staff at the facility during their times of crises, and had made it known to staff that her and Daddy’s room was an open prayer room at any time staff or fellow residents needed it. On occasion she would sing, and the hall would quickly fill up to hear Mama’s voice ring out.

If we could speak Mama’s final words and wishes today, it would be that each of you would find Jesus, give your life to Him and meet her in heaven. Of special note, the last prayer noted on Mama’s lips, was, “Jesus keep Daddy.”

Funeral Services for Mrs. Howell will be held Friday, August 5, 2016, at 2:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer, Missouri with Brother Frank Rogers, Brother Winfred Franks and Brother Junior Andrews officiating. Burial will follow in the Walker Cemetery near Thayer with services under the direction of Carter Funeral Home in Thayer.

The family will receive friends on Thursday evening August 4, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Carter Funeral Home Chapel in Thayer.

 

 

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9 Comments

  1. Bob Aborn
    August 3, 2016 @ 2:01 pm

    I am sorry to hear about Sis. Howell. She was a wonderful lady. She raised a good family. Her and Bro. Howell always held a special place in my heart and I always enjoyed seeing them and talking with them whenever we met. She will be missed but she is rejoicing in Heaven and that is what she lived for.

  2. Randall & Mabel Sue Harris
    August 3, 2016 @ 2:15 pm

    Vernon, children & grandchildren,
    We are so very sorry for the loss of a great God and family loving lady. We have a lot of good memories of Lavern preaching the word of God at Stony Point church and singing with her family that she was so proud of.
    We wanted so much to make the trip to Thayer to be with you all but I, Randall, is still recovering from extensive back surgery.
    May God wrap you all in his loving arms and comfort you.
    Love, Randall and Mabel Harris

  3. Tony R Duddridge
    August 3, 2016 @ 3:26 pm

    David, I have only known you a few short weeks since “Twelve Angry Men” play has started. Regardless, uplifting you in my thoughts and prayers, my friend. I have been down this rough road. My family lost both parents and a sister in a span of less than two years. That I would wish on no one. GOD IS STRONGER THAN ALL OUR WEAKNESSES. God Bless you and yours.

  4. Keith and Linda Vaughan
    August 3, 2016 @ 6:35 pm

    Prayers for your entire family. Keith was saved just AFTER service dismissed the last night of a week long revival that Sister Howell preached in December 1987 at Bakersfield Full Gospel Church. What a blessing to have known her! Thanks for sharing her!

  5. Donna Steed
    August 4, 2016 @ 10:28 am

    Oh what a legacy she leaves in each of the remaining family, from Vernon Howell to all the wonderful Howell family members. My thoughts and prayers are with each of you as you transition to life without her presence on this earth. What a joy that you have to celebrate a life well lived.

  6. Kelly, Pam, and Kaley Johnson
    August 4, 2016 @ 4:10 pm

    Praying for all of our dear friends.

  7. Roger jones (mckeel)
    August 5, 2016 @ 3:47 pm

    R st in peace. You will truly miss

  8. Tracy Pagan and family
    August 5, 2016 @ 3:59 pm

    You are all in our thought and prayers. may Gods grace and his caring hand guid you through this time . Love to you all

  9. Pam Savage
    August 7, 2016 @ 9:36 pm

    I knew your mother because of my grandparents, Fred and Elise Linson. We loved and respected her for many years and always enjoyed her singing. As I read her obituary, I can’t help but think of of Psalms 31-she definitely fit the bill.