Mary Hylton Howell, 90, of Mathews County and Smith Mountain Lake, Bedford County, Va., died on July 25, 2014.

Mrs. Howell was predeceased by her husband, Willie Wilton Howell; parents, William Preston and Sammie Ferguson Hylton;  brothers, William, Phil, and John; sisters, Christine, Sarah, and Kathy.

Survivors include daughters, Joyce Marie Jones and Nancy Ellen Twigg and husband Wallace B. Twigg Jr.; sisters; Isabelle Pittman, Naomi Creasy, and Sandy Walton; brothers, James, Robert and Melvin Hylton; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and “adopted” children.

Mrs. Howell’s home was the gathering place for holidays, picnics, and family reunions. She loved cooking for family and friends and her green beans with October beans and new potatoes with a side of corn bread was always a favorite.

She enjoyed music from folk, bluegrass to Herb Albert and the Tijuana Brass Band. All her life she traveled, with Costa Rica being a favorite. She was always surrounded by her dogs and Manx cats. But as a dedicated and accomplished teacher, she enjoyed children of all ages and was there to encourage, motivate, and love them. 

At the age of 36, she graduated in three years from Roanoke College, Summa Cum Laude. She taught English and Spanish at Stewartsville High School and Senior English and Special Education at Staunton River High School.

After retiring she and her husband built the home of their dreams on Smith Mountain Lake. They continued to be active in the U.S. 7th Armored Division Association. Even following Mr. Howell’s death, she continued to attend the meetings in Gloucester, Va.

A special thanks to all the caregivers during the past years and her neighbors, Ian Morse and Tim Hill.

Burial will be at 11 a.m. on Aug. 16, 2014 at Beaverdam Baptist Church, Chamblissburg, Va., beside her beloved husband of 67 years.

The family has asked that friends and family wishing to express sympathy do so in the form of contributions to Mathews Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 723, Mathews, Va. 23109, or Gloucester Volunteer Fire & Rescue, P.O. Box 1417, Gloucester, Va. 23061, or Gloucester-Mathews Humane Society, P.O. Box 385, Gloucester, Va. 23061.