Willa Dean Howell

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Willa Dean Howell, beloved wife, loving mother, and adored grandmother. “Deanie,” as she was known among friends and family, passed away peacefully in her sleep on February 23.

 Born on August 5, 1945, in Magee, MS, Deanie was raised on her family produce farm in Mize, MS with her three sisters in the loving home of Martin and Ruby Ingram. She loved growing up in her hometown and returned often throughout her life to spend time with loved ones.

 Graduating from Mize High School in 1963, she married her high school sweetheart, Vernon Lidell Howell, on December 23, 1961. Shortly thereafter, the two moved to Hattiesburg, MS, while Lidell studied to become a CPA. From there, they moved to Jackson, MS, to raise their two sons, Darron Lidell Howell and Mark Duane Howell.

 With Lidell’s newly formed CPA practice growing, Deanie joined Van Camp Trailer & Body, Inc. as an office assistant to company owner, Thomas Vanlandingham. Impressed with her strong, honest work ethic, Mr. Vanlandingham handed off more and more responsibilities to Deanie over her 40-year career at the company, eventually entrusting her to oversee the company’s day-to-day business as Vice-President.

 When not working, Deanie enjoyed time at home, attending to her garden, decorating for holidays, and hosting gatherings with family and friends. Much like her mother, Deanie was an outstanding cook, and her Sunday dinners were true feasts.

 A “giver” by nature, Deanie strived to live by Matthew’s Golden Rule, “In everything, do to others what you would have them do to you” (Matthew 7:12). Her warm, giving spirit was hard to miss, and many were blessed to experience it throughout her time on earth.

 Deanie is survived by her sister, Kathy Middleton, husband, Vernon Lidell Howell, sons Darron Lidell Howell and Mark Duane Howell, daughter-in-law, Monica Howell, and grandchildren Morgan Brooke Perkins, Jordan Elizabeth Freeman, and Seth Martin Howell, as well as four great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her sisters Dimple McCallum and Dianne Ware.

 A memorial celebration of life will be held for Deanie at Chancellor Funeral Home in Byram, MS, on Wednesday, February 26, at 2:00 pm. A visitation will precede the services at 1:00 pm.

 In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to First Baptist Church, Raymond, MS, a church that was always close to Deanie’s heart.

 “It is well…”