Mrs. Ethel E. Howell, 81, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, May 19, 2016. Formerly of Columbia, she was born in Edison, GA on December 28, 1934, and was a daughter of the late James R. Geeslin and Mollie D. Cobb Geeslin. Mrs. Howell retired from Colonial Stores (Big Star) and Shakespeare Fishing Tackle of Columbia. She worked for Kmart and Agape House of West Columbia, and was a longtime member of Laurel Baptist Church in South Congaree where she served in many capacities with the church. The role that brought her the most joy and satisfaction was serving with the Social Activities Committee. For the last few years, Mrs. Howell attended Impact Community Church in Rock Hill, SC, and she was also a member of the Women of the Moose Chapter of Rock Hill.

Mrs. Howell is survived by her children, Irma Woodard (Rufus) of Lexington, Peggy Mock (Michael), Windy Howell, and Barbara Howell-Stevenson of Rock Hill, Roy Howell (Cecile) of Cayce, and Wanda Roach (John) of Lexington; brother, James H. Geeslin (Elise) of Greenwood, MS; thirteen grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and three nieces. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 36 years, Murray E. Howell; sister, Irene Ford; and step-daughter, June Howell Green.

Services to celebrate the life of Mrs. Howell will be held 1 o'clock, Monday, May 23rd, at Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, 7600 Trenholm Rd. Ext., Columbia, with The Rev. Michael Lowery and The Rev. Tom Holt officiating. Burial will follow at Crescent Hill Memorial Gardens. The family will receive friends at the funeral home, one hour prior to the funeral, beginning at 12 o'clock. Memorials may be made to Medi Home Hospice, 197 South Herlong Ave., Suite 110, Rock Hill, SC 29732; The American Heart Association, 4217 Park Place Ct. Glen Allen, VA 23060-9979; or the charity of one's choice.