Obituary: Frances Howell
Frances Howell, a cherished mother, sister, grandmother, and beloved member of her community, passed away peacefully on April 9, 2026, in Selmer, Tennessee. Born on December 19, 1943, in Hardeman County, Frances lived a life marked by love, generosity, and devotion to her family.
Known for her compassionate spirit, Frances found joy in helping those around her and was particularly devoted to caring for her loved ones, especially her son, Scotty. Her warm kitchen was a gathering place for family and friends, where her cooking reflected the care and kindness that defined her life. A true enthusiast of travel and music, Frances found happiness in exploring new places, listening to her favorite tunes at Music on the Square, and was a dedicated fan of Elvis Presley. She was an active member of Hebron Baptist Church and always enjoyed being involved with VBS and volunteering at Pine Meadows with her church family. Above all, she treasured spending quality time with her family, creating memories that will forever be held dear.
Services were 1 pm Monday, April 13, 2026, at Shackelford Funeral Directors in Bolivar with burial in Hebron Cemetery.
Frances is survived by her loving daughter, Lisa Maxwell (Kent); her sons, Timmy Howell (Samantha), Scotty Howell, and Steve Howell (Susan), all of Middleton. Her siblings: May Weathersbee, Betty Phillips (Gene) and Linda Stewart. Frances’ legacy lives on through her grandchildren, Jessica Grantham (Steven), Chris Maxwell (Lindsay), Josh Howell (Chambliss), Matthew Howell (Gyuri) and granddaughters, Emma and Sadie Howell. She also leaves behind cherished great-grandchildren, Haleigh and Hudson Grantham, Taylor and Landon Maxwell, and Mady and Payton Howell, who will continue to carry forward her spirit and love.
Frances was preceded in death by her parents, Robert Rufus and Elizabeth Duncan Bass; her devoted husband, John Thomas Howell; her sisters, Virginia Johnson, Dessie Vickers, Helen Watridge, and Faye Voyles; and her brothers Dell, Roy, Olion, Robert, Delbert, William Earl, Travis and Bobby Bass.
Frances Howell’s life was a testament to the power of kindness, family, and dedication. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew her, a beacon of love and strength. She will be profoundly missed and forever remembered. Memorial contributions in her name may be sent to The Gideons International, Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (www.alz.org), the Hebron Baptist Church.
Courtesy of Shackelford Funeral Directors, Bolivar, Tennessee.
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