THELMA (BELL) HOWELL

Johnston City-Thelma L. (Bell) Howell, 83, of Johnston City passed away Tuesday April 30, 2013 at 1:40 A.M. at her home in Johnston City with her family by her side.

Her wishes were to be cremated with her ashes buried with her parents in Rose Hill Cemetery in Marion with graveside services held on Monday May 6, 2013 at 1:00 P.M. with Rev. Don Colson officiating. Murman & Wilson Funeral Home in Johnston City is in charge of arrangements.

Memorials may be made to the family.

Thelma was born July 23, 1929 in rural Johnston City to William James and LaVerne (Threlkeld) Bell.

Thelma worked at Norge-Maytag in the factory for 47 years. During that time she never missed a day's work except for the birth of her daughter, Debbie. She was a hard worker and took great pride in her job. She was a loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother that looked after and helped care for her family diligently. In her younger years Thelma attended the First United Methodist Church of Johnston City.

She is survived by one daughter, Debra (Howell) Galloway of Herrin; two grandsons Brian and David Smith, two great-grandsons Dalton and Bryce Smith, all of Herrin, a sister-in-law Betty Bell of Peoria, and several nephews, nieces, cousins, and friends along with three special care givers: Kay Shew, Kenny Holder and Kevin Stevens.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brother, Bill Bell of Peoria.