Born July 6, 1914 near Bolivar, Tennessee to William H. and Lula Belle (Brown) Fish, she married Curtis O. Howell on May 7, 1932 in Middleton, Tennessee. He died December 29, 1989 in Pekin. She was also preceded in death by her parents, one son (Jerry H. Howell), and two grandsons.
Surviving are four sons, Thomas L. (Marie) Howell and John W. (Dianna) Howell, both of Pekin, Mack L. (Patti) Howell of Peoria, and Curtis W. (Michele) Howell of Creve Coeur; eighteen grandchildren; thirty-six great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
A homemaker, Mary enjoyed quilting, sewing, and reading her bible.
She was a member of South Pekin Southern Baptist Church.
Her funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday, August 4, 2008at the Preston-Hanley Funeral Home, Pekin Chapel. The Rev. Virgil Howell will officiate. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin.
Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor's choice.
