Thelma Howell

Thelma A. Howell, age 99, of Hobson Community, Chatom, Alabama, passed away on Friday, June 2, 2023. She was born on August 10, 1924, to William Lewis and Cora Beech Anderson and was the first of four children, all of whom preceded her in death.

Thelma was also preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, David C. Howell. She is survived by her two sons, Rhett (Sarah) Howell and Kevin Howell; four granddaughters Brooke Dollarhide, Laurin Plummer, Tess Slay and Sara Elizabeth Howell, and six great-grandchildren Ella, Charley, Cora Beth, Sadie, Isaac, and Harper.

Thelma graduated from Washington County High School in Chatom, Alabama on May 7, 1943. She entered Alabama college, now the University of Montevallo, in fall of 1946 and graduated July 22, 1949, with B.S degree. On August 26 of that year, she married her lifelong friend and high school sweetheart, who had just received a B.A degree from Livingston State Teachers College. Education became their life's work.

For 34 years Thelma Pursued a teaching career, four years in elementary education in Baldwin County and 30 years in home economics at her alma mater, Washington County High School in Chatom, Alabama. According to Thelma's own words, home economics and FHA (future homemakers of Americas Club) were her second love, her first being God and

her family and home. In keeping with both her first and her second loves, she was a consummate homemaker, cook and decorator. Her creativity was also expressed through poetry, which she wrote from her youth until she was of advanced age, and through three beautiful oil paintings of her creation that hung in her home.

After retirement, Thelma devoted a considerable amount of time to the compilation of a book of her writings-poetry, letters, pictures, and life lessons-to pass along to her children and grandchildren. She also compiled seven volumes containing David's and her memoirs. These books provide rich history of their lives. In addition, Thelma and Dora Jane Cotton worked tirelessly to establish perpetual care for the Hobson cemetery, and Thelma continued to promote the erection of an iron fence around the cemetery as well as to raise money for the perpetual care fund.

Thelma manifested a deep, lifelong love of God. She committed her life to Christ and was baptized at age 16. She was a longtime member of Hobson assembly of God where she taught Sunday school for many years.

Thelma was cherished and highly honored by her family. She was also greatly esteemed by a host of relatives, former students, colleagues, and friends.

Pallbearers will be Blain Dolbare, Dean Plummer, Dan Dollarhide, Morgan Slay, Tatum Turner, Jason Anderson. Honorary Pallbearers are Jimmy Cotton, Eva Welborn, Pat Flanagan, Gordon Sloat, Tommy Fuller, Ray Anderson, Janice Faith, Bonnie Onderdonk, Billy Joe Odom, Gill Cotton, Terry Anderson, Joel Anderson, Chet Anderson, Janet Anderson, Donnie Anderson.

Funeral Services will be at 11 a.m. on Thursday, June 8, 2023, at Hobson Assembly of God Church with visitation one hour prior to services. Rev. Steve Foster and Rev. Dr. Gloria B. Jackson officiating and Lathan Funeral Home directing.