Obituaries

Mary Jane Enochs Howell

Photo of Mary Jane Enochs Howell
Mary Jane Enochs Howell, 91, died on October 8, 2022, after a brief illness. She was born on May 28, 1931, and was the daughter of Jean Lampton Enochs and Philip Henry Enochs, Sr. of Fernwood, Miss. Mary Jane attended Gulf Park College for Women, Ole Miss, and was a graduate of Louisiana State University in 1953. She was a Kappa Kappa Gamma. She married Evans "Blackie" Howell on July 5, 1952. A longtime resident of Baton Rouge, La., Mary Jane moved to Fayetteville, Ark., in 2021 to be near family. Mary Jane retired after 19 years as the Executive Director of Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge. She was passionate about her job and was instrumental in expanding services, staff, and space for the agency. During her career and long after retirement, she was active in the community and served on many boards. She was a past Junior League President. She was honored with the Excellence in General award in 1996. Mary Jane was the consummate hostess and loved having guests and giving parties. She was both fun and funny. She was smart and kind, and without a doubt, she ruled the family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 54 years, William Evans "Blackie" Howell, Sr.; her brothers, Philip Enochs, Jr. and Iddo Enochs; and her niece, Stacy Enochs Langlois. She was also preceded in death her brother-in-law, R. Boatner Howell. Mary Jane is survived by her children and their spouses, Jean and David "Dode" Button of Fayetteville, Ark.; William "Evans" Howell, Jr and Margaret Howell of Fayetteville, Ark., Jeff Howell of Orlando, Fla., and Philip and Mary Amelia Howell of Santa Fe, N.M. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Hannah Dodson, Casey Howell, Sarah Howell, Carter Howell, Amelia Howell, and Henry Howell. She is also survived by her brother and sisters-in-law, Edgar and Louise Enochs of Fernwood, Miss., and Daisylee Howell of Baton Rouge. She adored her many nieces and nephews. Memorial services will be at St. James Episcopal Church, 205 N. 4th St., Baton Rouge at 11 a.m. on Thursday, November 3 with reception to follow in the parish hall. Memorial donations may be made to Cancer Services of Greater Baton Rouge, https://cancerservices.org 550 Lobdell Ave., Baton Rouge, La. 70806 Her ashes will be interred next to her husband, Blackie, at Port Hudson National Cemetery in Zachary, La. in a private family service. To place an online tribute, please visit www.bernafuneralhomes.com

Published October 14, 2022

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