Joanne Popek Howell

Joanne P Howell, 81, of Rome, GA, passed away on Tuesday, September 16, 2026. A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday, September 18, 2026, at First Baptist Powder Springs with Dr. Chip Dean officiating. She is preceded in death by her parents Joseph and Gladys Popek; her husband Comer Jones, and her son, Steve Jones.

She is survived by her loving husband, Earl Stallings Howell, Jr.; her son, Stuart Jones (Wendy) of Temple, GA; Daughter in law, Whitney Jones of Dallas, GA; four grandsons, Matthew Jones of Hiram, GA, Eric Jones (Samantha) of Powder Springs, GA, Adam Jones (Katie) of Kissimmee, FL, Carter Jones of Orlando, FL; three great-grandchildren, Jackson, Alex, and Holly Jones; Stepson, Earl Stallings Howell III (Cheryl) of Ringold, GA; and many nieces and nephews.

Joanne worked for Rich’s (Macy’s) Department stores as a buyer and shattered a few glass ceilings along the way. While employed with Rich’s she was able to travel the world but always enjoyed coming home greeted at the airport by her family. She was a devoted member of the First Baptist Church of Powder Springs where she attended the Willing Workers Sunday School class. She was involved in the music ministry where she served as an admin for the worship pastor, sang in the choir, and played with the handbell choir. She chaired the decorating committee at First Baptist for many years. Joanne loved to be involved in her son’s lives growing up as team mom, soccer booster club president, and seamstress for the McEachern HS theater department. Her family was her pride and joy. She enjoyed traveling and was a huge fan of the University of Georgia Bulldogs, whom she supported at every home game.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM at Mayes Ward Dobbins Macland Chapel in Powder Springs, GA on Thursday, September 17, 2026, and she will lie in state an hour prior to the funeral at the church on Friday.