Illa Irene Johnson Howell

Illa Irene Johnson Howell, age 90, of Amity, passed away Tuesday, September 24, 2013. She was born July 27, 1923, at Amity, the daughter of the late Herbert Richard Johnson and Ida Mae Davis Johnson. On December 15, 1945, she was married to Marvin Aaron Howell who preceded her in death on May 14, 1998. She was also preceded in death by her brother, Leonard Johnson. She was a faithful member of Salem-Clark Missionary Baptist Church; enjoyed working in her garden, shelling peas by hand, fishing with her family and friends, and was always ready to lend a helping hand to children and everyone of all ages. Irene spent many joyful hours with her quilting group of "special" family and friends, making hundreds of beautiful quilts that will be cherished by many for years to come. Everyone that knew her remembers how much she loved quilting, especially the years when her husband, Marvin, would have to move many pieces of quilts from their dining room table just to eat a meal. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose love and devotion to her family will be carried on in their hearts forever. Irene's greatest joy on this earth was spending time with her family and she will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her. Survivors include two sons and daughters-in-law, Keith and Carolyn Howell of Amity and Stacy and Patricia Howell of Benton; two daughters and sons-in-law, Kathy and Charles Stephens of Prescott and Rhonda and Ronnie Allen of Norman; 11 grandchildren and their spouses, Bradley Cauley, Brooke Cauley, Jody and Misty Howell, Seth Howell, Misty and Chase Lockwood, Josh Angel, April and James Bright, Jeremy and Tara Allen, Justin Howell, Jeremy Howell and Jinny Howell; 11 great-grandchildren, Amy Sorrells, Carlie Adams, Justus Lockwood, Addyson Lockwood, Tanner Brunt, Destany Bright, Owen Bright, Drew and Taylor Allen, Jayden Howell and Rileigh Howell; her sister and brother-in-law, Wanda and Sonny Golden of Wauseon, Ohio; several nieces and nephews; and a host of wonderful friends. Services will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, in the Davis-Smith Funeral Home Chapel, Glenwood with Bro. Keith Howell and Bro. Bobby Lock officiating. Visitation will be Friday, 6 p.m.-8 p.m. Interment will be in the Jones Cemetery. Pallbearers will be her grandsons. Honorary pallbearers will be the nurses and staff of Montgomery County Nursing Home and Oak Park Village for all of their wonderful and loving care. Guest registry is at www.davis-smith.com.