Shirley Ann Howell

Shirley Ann Howell of Blanchard, Oklahoma, closed her eyes in the land of the dying and opened them again in the land of the living, in the presence of our Savior, Jesus, on March 24th, 2026. Waiting to meet her was a host of earthly family and friends that went before her. Shirley was born on November 12, 1940, to Iva (Smith) Dunn and Edward L. Dunn. In 1957, she married Paul R. Howell and together they had three daughters. Being a mother was her greatest joy. She was a long-time resident of Oklahoma City and Moore, Oklahoma. She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Oklahoma City. Throughout the years, Shirley’s remarkable strength to persevere was rooted in her faith in the Lord. She faced many trials throughout her life. She lost her youngest daughter in the Oklahoma City Bombing and subsequently took on the role of raising her two young granddaughters. She buried her oldest daughter along with many other close family and friends and overcame numerous serious health issues. Shirley possessed a steadfast resolve to push through any challenge life brought, making her, without question, the strongest person in our family.

Shirley worked for the state and retired from the Worker’s Compensation Court. She loved to travel, was an avid reader, and could shop until she dropped. In her younger years she spent her weekends at the stock car races and later at the State Fair Speedway. She loved basketball, both watching and playing it, despite only being 5’0 tall. She enjoyed old hymns and old country music. Shirley loved sharing stories and making others laugh with her sharp wit. She was fiercely independent.

Shirley cherished countless lifelong friendships, a true testament to the remarkable person she was. Shirley’s greatest love was her family. Her unwavering love and support, selflessness, and affection for her family were undeniable. Cherished by all who crossed her path, she made everyone feel like part of her family. Shirley was affectionally known as “Granny” to all her grandchildren’s friends. She touched more lives than she realized, leaving an indelible mark on her children and grandchildren.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents, her daughters Vicki Truelove and Karan Shepherd, and her companion John Strain. Shirley is survived by her daughter Lana Nowicki, grandchildren Eric Truelove, Brittany Montoya, Tad Nowicki, Shylee Ramirez, Gabby Jones, and Sarah Willson. She leaves behind 17 great grandchildren and 4 great-great grandchildren. What a blessing! She is also survived by her brother Randy Dunn and her sister Tammy Menne. Shirley’s life had a profound purpose, and her legacy will continue through the family she lovingly built. She was intensely loved and will be deeply missed, but we take comfort in knowing we will see her again in Heaven.

Visitation will be held at Advantage Funeral Home, located at 7720 South Pennsylvania Ave, Oklahoma City, OK on March 30, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Advantage Funeral Home Chapel, on March 31, 2026, at 10:00 am with interment to follow at Resthaven Memory Gardens.