71 years just wasn't enough. Not by a long shot. For those that don't know yet, my Mother Carolyn Howell passed away this morning after a nearly two year extremely hard-fought battle with cancer. For those of you that did know her, you probably already know exactly who she was. For those that don't, she was beautiful in every way inside and out. She was tougher than nails, but she was the most compassionate and caring person imaginable. She was beyond strong; I hope someday to have 1/10 of her courage - especially the past two years. I know a lot of fiercely strong women, but she was the pinnacle. Period. She was amazing. She was at every kids’ birthday, every wedding, every graduation, every awards ceremony, every recital, every game, everything - not just for me and my brothers, but everyone in her life. She was in the room for the birth of both of my children, and she was literally my son's best friend. She made us clothes and costumes sometimes even without a pattern, she made my daughter dresses that far outdo any of the fancy labels. She was a wizard with kids, and she is beyond irreplaceable. I want to take this opportunity too, to give my deepest thanks to the entire community around my Mother for all of the support that you've given over the past two years. It really feels like having a 500+ member family. To Juanita Holcomb, there's no way me, my brothers, and my Dad can ever repay you for putting your life on hold for two years. You are henceforth to be referred to as Saint Juanita. Now everyone who can, go hug your Mom.

Carolyn was preceded in death by her mother, Marie Alexander, and father, Alvin Alexander, and two brothers, Herman Alexander, and Wilson Alexander. She was survived by her husband of 52 years, David Howell, three sons, Tony Howell and wife Sharon Howell, Tim Howell, and Jonathan Howell and wife Leah Howell, and four grandchildren, Cody Howell, Erin Fowler, Trent Howell, and Lydia Howell, two Great Grandchildren, Irish Fowler, and Jack Fowler, two Sisters, Juanita Holcomb and Kathy Alexander, and Brothers, Chris Alexander, and Huey Alexander - and a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, October 9, 2019 at Center Baptist Church with Reverend Sammy Adams officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. Carolyn will lie in state at the church from 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. prior to the funeral on Wednesday. The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m. -8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Serving as pallbearers will be Wayne Payne, Brandon Howell, Brian McPherson, Austin Fordham, Jason Alexander, and Nick Bradley.

Parnick Jennings Funeral Home and Cremation Services is honored to serve the family of Carolyn Howell; please visit www.parnickjenningsfuneral.com to share memories and to post condolence messages.