Betty Rabon Howell, 87, of Easley, formerly of Columbia, died Thursday, April 6, 2017. Born in Conway, SC on September 27, 1929, she was a daughter of the late Alvin and Liza Jane Rabon. Betty was a Christian woman with a feisty spirit. She was a faithful wife, and mother whose life revolved around her family, and supporting the ministry of her husband of 65 years, the late Bishop T. F. Howell Sr.

Survivors include her daughters, Gayle Lutgen (Larry) of Florence, Donna Hodges (Monroe) of Easley, Tricia Jeffers of Columbia; sons, Thomas F. Howell Jr. (Lois), of Lexington, Ronnie Howell (Kathy) of Sumter, Rev. Barry Howell (Pam) of Lancaster, and Mike Howell (Alice) of Timmonsville; sixteen grandchildren, eighteen great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by her siblings; granddaughter, Kimberly Michelle Young, and a great-grandson.

A funeral service will be held 4 o'clock, Sunday, April 9th at Elmwood Avenue Church of God, 1427 Elmwood Avenue, Columbia. The family will receive friends prior to the service beginning at 3 o'clock. The committal and entombment will be held 12:30 o'clock, Monday, April 10 at Greenlawn Memorial Park Mausoleum. Shives Funeral Home, Trenholm Road Chapel, is assisting the family.

Memorials may be made to the Church of God Children's home, P. O. Box 432, Mauldin, SC 29662.

Memories and condolences may be shared at ShivesFuneralHome.com.