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In the past few weeks several Laurel Hill families have mourned the loss
of loved ones. Monday, June 4, 2007, the Howell family joined those
families with the loss of their husband, father and brother, A.B. Howell,
age 77, beloved husband of Karoline, father of Michael and Benny, brother
to Ray Howell and Estelle Howell Rogers. Grandfather of Dakota, Amber,
Benny, Jennifer Nicole, Michael Lee, great grandfather of tiny Jaden, and
a troop of nieces and nephews.
A.B. Howell, Jr. retired from the Army and moved his family to Laurel Hill
in 1972. Like his father before him, he retired from custodian work at
Laurel Hill School in 1992. After the death of his parents they moved into
the Howell family home where he carried on the tradition of our dad,
keeping a picture perfect lawn, flowers blooming, birds building their
nest in special houses, wind chimes sounding in the breeze. During the
past few years, ‘93-‘07 they spent time at Rivers Edge campsite making
many friends, fishing and living a life of leisure.
Karoline drove a Laurel Hill school bus for a number of years. She is my
wonderful sister-in-law, the strongest woman I have ever met. She has been
a loving wife to my brother, a great mother to her two sons, and
grandmother to five and now she has a new role as great grandmother to
little Jaden.
The walk into widowhood is an unknown path. Strong women walk that road.
My brother prepared his wife for that step in every way that he could
while he lived. One day he told her, there is one thing I forgot to teach
you...how to air up the tires! She informed him that she had that covered
by calling their son to come down and do that little job! I admired his
strength and will to be a good provider to his family. He was a quiet man
but he would help anyone in need. He would go out of his way to assist
someone with a problem with their boat or anyway he could help them.
Karoline and family appreciate the kindness and offers from friends and
neighbors during this time. Without a formal service, the family gathered
quietly to mourn their loss, encourage one another and support Karoline.
Karoline expresses her gratitude to the wonderful Covenant Hospice nurse
and workers who took incredible care of her husband. Nurse Kathy became a
part of their family, bringing joy to them, as she lovingly tended to his
needs.
On Wednesday, June 6th, the family celebrated her 71st (she doesn't look
it or act like it so she won't mind!) birthday, took family pictures and
enjoyed a wonderful time together.
Up on the Hill tomorrows will come and go, but time stands still for
awhile as the loss of loved ones are mourned. We will miss A.B. but he
will be held close in our hearts with memories of his teasing and
laughter, and most of all his love.
That's what I love about Laurel Hill...everywhere you look, the houses,
the flowers and gardens are all reminders of those who labored and
invested love in family and friends and this lovely city we call home.
When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the
stars, which thou has ordained; What is man, that thou art mindful of him?
And the son of man, that thou visitest him? ~ Psalm 8:3,4
Support Covenant
Hospice by making a tax-deductible
contribution online, or by mailing a check to the address below.
Covenant Hospice
Crestview -
WEBSITE
370 Redstone Drive
Crestview, Florida 32536
(850) 682-3628 |
