Woodson ‘Woody’ Tate Howell, age 2, passed away at home in his Mommy and Daddy’s arms with his eyes fixated on Jesus. The light of Christ in him was contagious. His joy spread throughout every room, gentle ways softened every heart, and his smile uplifted everybody he met. Woodson had a passion for all God’s creatures. It’s fitting that his heart held both the strength of a lion and the kindness of a lamb. His strength and kindness (with his lion, LiLi, by his side) were evident each day of his cancer journey. Woodson’s life and legacy went beyond his precious 2 years on earth, leading many to know Jesus on a tangible level that will impact future generations.
Woody is survived by his parents, Tate and Callie Howell, and his doggy, Shelli. Grandparents: Jimmy and Debbie Howell and Steve and Kathy Hughes. Great grandparents Peggy Cox, Gordon and Mildred Bonifacious. Aunts and uncles: Justin and Molly Pharr, Tripp and Allison Howell, cousins Brayden and Boone Pharr, and James and Olivia Howell, as well as an extended family of great aunts, uncles, and cousins. In August, Woody will be a big brother to his baby sister, Stevie Woods Howell.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Wednesday, February 26th, 2025, from 12:00 to 2:00 p.m. at the Hermitage Funeral Home and Memorial Gardens, Old Hickory, TN. The celebration of Life service will be at 2:00 p.m., with Brandy Novoa officiating. Interment will follow at Mt. Juliet Memorial Gardens.
To make a memorial gift, please send a check made payable to Vanderbilt University Medical Center to:
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Development
P.O. Box 290369
525 Royal Parkway
Nashville, TN. 37229
Gifts can also be made online at VanderbiltHealth.org/giving. PLease select the checkbox next to "Dedicate my donation in honor or in memory of someone."
