Norma Gene Howell, 88, of Magnolia, Arkansas, peacefully departed her earthly body and entered into heavenly rest on January 28, 2018, in Carthage, Texas. Gene was born on December 17, 1929, to Gordon and Minnie (Sehon) Maroney in Huttig, Arkansas. She graduated Huttig High School and played on the girls basketball team. On June 26, 1953, she married John Carl "J.C." Howell who preceded her in death on January 15, 2010. Gene retired from Central Baptist Church after many years as pastors secretary and was an active member of Central Baptist. She would rise early each morning to spend time in prayer and bible study. Cooking for her family and others brought joy to her. Gene and J.C. loved making Mayhaw jelly and pickles together to share with family and friends. Along with her husband, J.C., Gene is preceded in death by her parents, brothers, Gordon Maroney, Jr., Charles Maroney and Woodrow Maroney; and two sisters, Pat McVicker and Mary Virginia Maroney.

Left to cherish her memory are son, John Howell, Jr. and wife Jane of Sherwood, Arkansas; daughter, Belinda Ann Andrus and husband Ken of Carthage, Texas; and daughter Sue Ellen Lewis and husband Jeff of Gonzales, Louisiana. She was blessed by grandchildren, John "Trey" Howell, III and wife Christina, Dustin Howell and wife Amy, Ryan Howell and wife Hannah, Lauren Howell Wood and husband Jacob, all of Conway, Tanner Andrus and wife, Amanda of Carthage, Emily Andrus of Carthage, Grace Lewis of Gonzales, Brandon Andrus and wife Kelly of Lewisville, Texas, and Brent Andrus and wife Jodie of Rowlett, Texas and great-grandchildren, John "Jay" Howell, IV, Logan Howell, Noah Howell, Mason Howell, Jillian Cate Howell, Liam Howell, Hayes Howell, Bryce Howell, Adelaide "Addie" Howell, Christian Howell, Raegan Andrus, Bradley Andrus, Will Andrus, Colton Andrus and Macie Andrus; along with many nieces, nephews and dear friends.

A visitation will be held from 5:30-7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 2, 2018, at Lewis Funeral Home in Magnolia, Arkansas.

A graveside service will be held at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, February 3, 2018, at Memorial Park Cemetery in Magnolia with Bro. Steve Ford officiating.

Serving as pallbearers are Trey Howell, Dustin Howell, Ryan Howell, Jacob Wood, Tanner Andrus, Brent Andrus and Chase Dawson.

Memorials may be made to Abide In Christ, Post Office Box 17921, Hattiesburg, Mississippi 39404-7921 .

Arrangements are under the direction of Lewis Funeral Home, 420 North Jackson Street, Magnolia, Arkansas 71753, (870) 234-1010, http://www.lewisfuneralhome.biz/

Carthage arrangements are under the direction of Jimerson-Lipsey Funeral Home.