Lilah M. Howell

lilah howell

June 19, 1937 ~ April 20, 2017

Born in: Dexter, Iowa
Resided in: Atlanta, Georgia

Memorial services for Lilah Howell, 79, a resident of Atlanta, Georgia will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, May 8, 2017 at Smyrna First United Methodist Church, 1315 Concord Road SE, Smyrna, Georgia. The family will greet friends at a reception after the memorial service. The Burial will be held on May 27, 2017 at 12 p.m. at Penn Center United Methodist Church & Cemetery, 1282 Pitzer Road, Earlham, Iowa 50072. The family will greet friends and have lunch after the burial.

Lilah passed away Thursday, April 20, 2017 at Pruitt Health – Austell. Lilah was born on May 19, 1937 in Dexter, Iowa the daughter of Doris and Carroll Bennett. She grew up on a farm and graduated from Earlham High School. She was married to Gary Howell and they settled in Mason City, Iowa where they raised their family of 3 boys. She was a devoted and loving mother. After raising her children she went back to school and earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Buena Vista University. She entered the workforce as a grief counselor and social worker. She worked at Hospice of North Iowa and the Heritage Care Center both in Mason City where her compassion and loving hands touched many families. After living in Mason City for 35 years, she retired to Atlanta, Georgia to be near family and immediately immersed herself into the community.

Lilah devoted her life to serving her family and those around her wherever she lived. She had an unwavering faith in God. She was a life-long member of the Methodist Church and P.E.O. She dedicated countless hours to various mission and community support organizations. Some of her favorites included; Stephen Ministry, Meals on Wheels, United Methodist Committee on Relief, God’s Footprint in Nicaragua and United Methodist Women. Each and every day she searched for ways to use her unique talents to serve God and his kingdom on earth. She reminded us all that life is not about ourselves, rather the abiding presence of God in all things.

She is survived by her children and spouses; Dave (Tina) Howell, Le Claire, IA., Dean (Janice) Howell, Atlanta, GA., Mark (Lori) Howell, Lawrence, KS.; 11 loving grandchildren; Emily (Michael) Conrad, Caroline (Steve) Howell, Megan Howell, Jared Hermiston, Morgan Hermiston, Wesley Howell, Madeleine Howell, Erick Mayo, Macy Howell, Molly Howell, Riley Howell, 2 brothers; Marvin (Pat) Bennett and Norman Bennett along with several nieces and nephews.

In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to one of the following:

  • Smyrna First United Methodist Church – Missions, 1315 Concord Road SE, Smyrna, Georgia, 30080
  • Mason City First United Methodist Church – Missions, 119 S. Georgia Ave., Mason City, Iowa, 50401
  • Hospice of North Iowa, 232 2nd SE, Mason City, Iowa 50401

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  1. Jane Askeland says:

    Lilah was a truly lovely person with a genuine compassion and commitment to the residents of Heritage. I was blessed to have known her. I came to know how much she loved her family. So sorry for your loss.
    Jane Askeland, Social Services Consultant, ABCM Corporation

  2. Sandy King says:

    Very sorry to hear of your loss. Lilah was honestly one of the nicest people I have ever known. My thoughts and sympathy to the entire family.

  3. Jim Kantaris says:

    Dean- I am so sorry to have read of the passing of your mother. You, your wife and family and your brother’s and their families have my deepest condolences. All of you will be in my prayers at this difficult time.

    Jim Kantaris

  4. Heath and Christy LIndvall says:

    What a full life and always a great example of God for all of us. She was a wonderful, compassionate and selfless woman.

    She always put others first and this is a great lesson for each of us.

    We will miss her but her examples will live on. We are thankful she is in a better place.

    Love the Lindvall family.
    Glen Allen, VA

  5. Wes Fiala says:

    Our condolences for the loss of a wonderful and compassionate lady.
    Wes and Elly Fiala

  6. Scott Schulz says:

    A great lady and devoted friend to my parents. To her family, I am sorry for your loss but I’m sure you can take comfort in knowing how special she was to so many people.

  7. Matthew Hof says:

    Dean and family, my sympathies on the loss of your mother. She was always faithful to her family, and what encouragement it is to know she was faithful to the Lord, too. He has now welcomed your mom to her home in glory! May you have strength, comfort and peace in days ahead. I’ll be praying for your family.


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