Parselma Gunter Howell

Born in Spruce Pine, North Carolina, Pat grew up in the mountains before life took her to Atlanta, Georgia; Charlotte, North Carolina; and ultimately to Little River, where she made her home in her later years.

Pat began her career as a secretary and went on to serve as a manager at L.B. Foster, where her steady leadership, warmth, and dedication were deeply valued. Her work ethic was matched only by the devotion she showed to her family.

A woman of strong faith, Pat found joy in listening to gospel music and lived her life rooted in kindness, love, and grace. She deeply loved her husband, Ben Ray Howell, and was a proud mother to her two sons, James Allen Buchanan and Michael Arthur Howell, both of whom preceded her in death. She adored her family above all else. Her home was always filled with warmth, laughter, and the comforting aroma of her home-cooked meals—one of the many ways she showed her love.

Survivors include her husband, Ben Ray Howell; her sister, Reva Giles; her daughters-in-law, Kay Buchanan and Tina Tsakaris; her six grandchildren—Michael Buchanan Arceneaux, Crystal Buchanan, Matthew Buchanan, Ashley Rosecrans, Faith Tsakaris, and Michael Tsakaris; and her five great-grandchildren—Brandon Arceneaux, Braelyn Arceneaux, Skylar Albright, Mack Rosecrans, and Adelyn Keziah.

Pat will be remembered as a loving, gentle soul whose warmth touched everyone she met. Her strength, generosity, and unwavering devotion to her family and faith will continue to inspire all who knew her.