James Howell

Bro. James Howell, age 87 of Middleton, departed this life Thursday, January 23, 2014 at Jackson-Madison County General Hospital.

Bro. Howell was born in Hardeman County March 19, 1926 to the late Willie and Lillie Sisco Howell. He was united in marriage to his wife Christine, who survives, August 26, 1945 and entered into ministry in 1949. He served as the Pastor of several churches in Hardeman County including Pleasant Grove Baptist Church, where he preached for 23 years, Lott Road Baptist Church, and Wolfpen Baptist Church. He also served as the Assistant Pastor at Brints Chapel Baptist Church and was most recently a member of Hebron Baptist Church. In addition to his work as a minister, he worked for the Tannery in Bolivar for 28 years. He loved farming and listening to gospel music and other preachers.

In addition to his wife of 68 years, Bro. Howell is survived by four daughters, Ruth Ann Doles of Bolivar, Geneva Cossar and husband Bro. Mickey of Hickory Valley, Peggy Howell and husband Terry of Middleton and Mary Nell Jackson and husband Billy of Middleton; a son, Harold Neal Howell and wife Janice of Middleton; a daughter-in-law, Sue Woodard and husband John of Bolivar; 19 grandchildren, 38 great-grandchildren and 12 great-great-grandchildren; a sister, Linda Webb of Jackson; and five brothers, William, Virgil, Orville, Frankie and Jackie Howell, all of Middleton.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a son, James E. Howell, Jr., who passed away in 1984; a great-granddaughter, Karley Howell, who passed away in June of 2013; two brothers, Billy Joe Howell and Leon Howell; and three sisters, Sadie Mae Howell, and two as infants.

Donations made in memory of Bro. Howell may be sent to Gideons International (www.gideons.org/give).