Heaven called home its child, Mrs. Ernestine Howell, on Sunday, June 23, 2019. She was born June 8, 1932 in Saginaw, Michigan, the daughter of Chine Cooper and Drucilla Evans.
Mrs. Howell attended Saginaw Business Institute. After graduation, she was hired there to work as a secretary and remained employed over twenty-five years before retiring. Post-retirement, she enjoyed exercising, especially walking and water aerobics. She also loved collecting pictures of family and friends and kept a camera ready to capture special moments.
In 1972, Ernestine and Reverend George Howell united in holy matrimony. Together, they served faithfully at New Mount Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Howell served on the kitchen committee and was a member of the Missionary Ministry. She also participated in Church Women United and the Saginaw Valley Baptist District Ministers Wives and Widows, where she served as secretary for many years. She was known as “Granny” to the New Mount Calvary children, and they loved and respected her.
Mrs. Howell was a very giving and loving woman of God. She was known for her sassiness and quick wit, but she was also serious and firm. She taught her children to be respectful and kind to others. One of her most memorable sayings was, “I might be four feet nine but when I’m talking to you act like I’m six feet nine.” That humor and her presence are forever etched in our hearts and memory.
Mrs. Howell was predeceased by her parents, Chine Cooper and Drucilla Evans; brother, Ernest Cooper; sister, Thomasine Murray.
She leaves to celebrate her life her loving husband, Reverend George Howell; five children, Susan Addison, Saginaw, Michigan, Drucilla Thomas, Greeneville, South Carolina, Tina Houze (Larry Manzie), Saginaw, Michigan, Eric Cooper, Flint, Michigan, Kirk Houze, Saginaw, Michigan; two stepchildren, Chandra Howell, Saginaw, Michigan, Charles Williams, Memphis, Tennessee; nineteen grandchildren; thirty-eight great-grandchildren; sister, Mary Cooper Dunn, Saginaw, Michigan; twenty-three nieces; four nephews; five sisters-in-law, Nonnie Mae Sims, Sweetie B. Brown, Clara Lee Williams, James Ena Faulkner, Minnie Lee Warren, all of Memphis, Tennessee; many other relatives and friends, including special friend, Carol Jackson.
The family would like to express special thanks the Staff at Covenant Hospital and Rehabilitation Center, Ivan E. Phillips and the Staff of Paradise Funeral Chapel.
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