Rita Sandra Howell daughter of the late Luther Cyrus Fredrick Couch and Vera Lois Couch was born in Cullman, Alabama on January 29, 1936. She professed her faith in Jesus when she was nine years old and was baptized in Huffman Baptist church on April 1, 1945. A date she was always proud of and willingly shared with others.
She was married to Leborn Howell on March 23, 1951 in Biloxi, Mississippi and was blessed with three children. Leborn preceded her in death on January 4, 2014.
Rita, formerly known more often as Sandra, was an active member of Carlisle Baptist church where she faithfully served as a Women’s Sunday School teacher and later served many years in Children’s ministry through Children’s church and Back Yard Bible studies. She always had a heart for children and was compelled to teach them about the saving grace of Jesus. She also loved arranging silk flowers for the Sunday morning services which she did for many years. Her Christian life was as beautiful as the flowers she arranged, and her influence and smile will remain forever in the lives of those who knew and loved her. She went to be with Jesus on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 while residing in Altamonte Springs, Florida with her daughters. She was preceded in death by her son, Michael Wayne Howell, brothers Carlton Couch, Uhland Couch and Sister Olivia Hocking.
She will forever be cherished in the lives of her daughters, Linda Kay Smith and Sandra Lee Howell, son in law Steve Smith, daughter in law Teri Howell, grandchildren Stephanie Gifford, Stacy George (husband Chris George), Drake Howell (fiancé Jordan Cullen), Nate Howell, Shane Smith, and Austin Smith (wife Kenzie Smith), great grandchildren Blake Thompson, Mayoree Howell, Romeo Howell, Atreyu Howell, sisters Argeline Yarborough, Joanna Holloway and many nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends.
Services will be held at Carlisle Baptist Church in Panama City, Florida on Sunday, October 17 @ 2:00 pm with Graveside services to follow at Evergreen Memorial Gardens where she will be laid to rest beside her husband.
In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Carlisle Baptist Church children’s ministry located at 835 Berthe Ave. Panama City, Florida 32404.
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