Henderson: Clara Howell

Clara Mae Henley Howell, age 90, passed away Thursday afternoon, April 23, 2026, at Jackson Madison County General Hospital.

She was born in Henderson, TN June 27, 1935, daughter of the late William Odell and Margaret Lily Rouse Henley. She grew up in Henderson and attended Friendship School.

Clara married John Earl Howell on December 10, 1954, and they made their home and raised their children in Henderson. Mr. Howell preceded her in death on March 22, 1998.

She worked as a seamstress for Chester County Sportswear for 40 years.

Clara was a loving and devoted wife and homemaker that dearly loved her family.

She also enjoyed vegetable gardening, raising flowers and especially spending time with her grandchildren.

Clara enjoyed listening to old Country Music and watching the Atlanta Braves play.

She was a member of Faith Fellowship Church in Henderson.

Clara is survived by two sons, Danny Ray Howell (Debra) and Glenn A. Howell (Amanda), both Henderson; nine grandchildren, 31 great grandchildren and 10 great great-grandchildren; a brother Jackie Ray Henley (Debra) of Jacks Creek; and four sisters Laura Wilkins of Texas, Jeanette Jones, Mary Creasy and Patricia Johnson all of Henderson.

In addition to her parents and her husband, John Earl Howell, she was preceded in death by a daughter Patty Sue Howell; four sons Jerry Wayne Howell, Van David Howell, John Michael Howell, Tony Anthony Howell; two sisters Minnie Tidwell and Maddell Stansell; four brothers Billy Wayne Wiley, William Odell Henley, Bobby Gene Henley and Mike Odell Henley; a grandchild Danny Howell, Jr., great grandchild Jax Marshall and a great great-grandson Jaelyn Wayne Adkisson .

Funeral services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday, April 29 at Shackelford Funeral Directors – Crook Avenue Chapel in Henderson with Ken Frye officiating. Burial will follow at New Friendship Cemetery.

The family will receive friends at Crook Avenue Chapel from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM Tuesday.