Joyce Elaine Reader Howell

June 21, 1925 – November 8, 2021

Joyce Elaine Reader Howell, 96, of Carrollton, MS, passed away peacefully on Monday, November 8, 2021. She was lovingly surrounded by her two daughters, Beverly and Beth, who have cared for her in their homes for the past several years. Joyce was born on June 21, 1925 in Wautoma, Wisconsin, to George Fredrick Reader and Laura Edna Charleson Reader. She grew up with her two sisters, Mavis Reader Lindell (John) and Corinne Reader Luhm (Gordon).

After graduating from high school, Joyce attended the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee. She met a young Sergeant from Mississippi, Lester Ray Howell. After they were married, she worked at the Truax Field Air Force Base in Madison. Ultimately Lester moved Joyce to Mississippi to begin a life together where they shared happiness, challenges, hard work, and joy for nearly 50 years until Lester's passing in 1993.

Joyce was a devoted wife and mother. She and Lester raised five children – Bruce, Elaine, Beverly, Leslie, and Beth in Indianola, MS. While instilling a strong Christian faith in her children and leading by example, Joyce ran her household with much care and love. She is remembered for cooking three delicious meals a day, reading devotions to her children, and supporting her children and husband in all their endeavors.

In 1968, Joyce and Lester moved to Black Hawk, MS. During that time, they were both realtors with Howell Real Estate Company and had their office in Greenwood, MS. Joyce was named Realtor of the Year in 1976. Joyce's career also included serving as Post Mistress at the Black Hawk post office and secretary for Leflore County School Maintenance.

Joyce was most known for her devotion to God and her family. She was a faithful Circle Member at St. John's Methodist Church for many years. She prayed for her family and friends daily and told them so. She never missed a family member's birthday and sent cards that she signed, "I Love You, God Bless You." She kept in touch with her children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren and wanted to know all the details of their activities. She was genuine, kind, sincere, loving and selfless.

Joyce and Lester cared for their daughter Leslie who had special needs for forty years. During the last years of Leslie's life, Lester was in poor health also and Joyce cared for both of them. Leslie and Lester passed away within a year of one another in the early 1990's. Joyce also cared for her daughter Elaine when she had a liver transplant in 1998 in Dallas, TX. Joyce was 73 years old at that time and stayed at Baylor Hospital with Elaine for six weeks tending to her needs and taking her to doctor appointments.

Joyce was not only known for taking care of family in sickness, but she did so in health as well. She hosted holiday gatherings that included home-cooked food, fellowship, and fun. Her grandchildren looked most forward to the huge Easter egg hunts in Black Hawk! Christmas gatherings often included a gift that had been hand painted by Joyce. Her art was beautiful and special to her family. After Lester passed away, Joyce moved from Black Hawk to a smaller home near Beverly. Joyce occupied her time in many ways. She was an avid reader and she shared her love of literature with Elaine and Beth. She also took piano and art lessons. One Christmas, each family member received an original painting on canvas lovingly created by her! All are cherished pieces of art! Beverly realized she certainly inherited her artistic talent from her mother. Her family also remembers her vintage cookie cutters. Joyce lovingly made Christmas sugar cookies from these special cookie cutters each year for her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The memories and stories told here are just a few compared to those that live in the hearts of her family. We, however, cannot end without mentioning what an avid sports fan Joyce was! She loved NBA Basketball and was particularly fond of the Utah Jazz and Karl Malone. Her nephew Steve was a beat writer for the Salt Lake City Tribune and was able to introduce his Aunt Joyce to Karl Malone when they attended a Utah Jazz game in Houston, TX, in 2000! Joyce adored her sisters' children, and they were always so good to keep in touch with their Aunt Joyce even though they live far away. They are Ed and Steve Luhm, Bonnie Roth, and George and Gerald Lindell.

Other survivors include her one son, Bruce S. Howell of Heber Springs, AR; two daughters, Beverly Howell Barnes and Beth Howell Tingle (Terry) of Carrollton, MS; six grandchildren, Frank M. Buchanan III (Jennifer) of Jackson, MS, Paige Barnes Turner (Dent) of Vaiden, MS, Jennifer Howell Brady (John) of Columbus, MS, Laura Buchanan Owen (Robert) of Hattiesburg, MS, David H. Buchanan (Page) of Fairhope, AL, Mason's wife Marilyn of Vaiden, MS, and Kyle W Cassidy (Amy) of Weisbaden, Germany; and seventeen great-grandchildren, Sarah & Sam Buchanan, Layne & Gracie Turner, Rachel & Hannah Brady, Thomas, Logan, Brooks, & Anna Laura Owen, Aidan and Conner Buchanan, Brodie, Lincoln, & Elly Barnes, and Nora & Lucas Cassidy.

In addition to being preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Joyce was also preceded in death by an infant brother, Roger Reader; infant son, Lester Ray Howell, Jr.; husband, Lester Ray Howell; daughter, Leslie Sue Howell; daughter, Elaine Ann Howell Buchanan and son-in-law, Frank Moore Buchanan, Jr.; son-in-law, Rex Mason Barnes; grandson Mason Rex Barnes; and infant great-grandchild, Taylor Buchanan.

Final arrangements have been entrusted to Williams & Lord Funeral Home in Greenwood, MS. A graveside service officiated by Reverend Glenn Seefeld will take place at Odd Fellows Cemetery in Greenwood on Saturday, November 27th at 11:00 a.m. Joyce's final place of rest will be between Lester and Leslie. The date of the service is Lester and Joyce's 78th wedding anniversary. May they rejoice together in the kingdom of Heaven with our Lord our Savior, one another, and all who have gone before them.

The family appreciates your thoughts and prayers during this time of transition. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to Joyce's favorite charity, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital or a charity of your choice.