Sally F Howell

354Sally F. Howell, 83, of Ocala lost her ten year battle with cancer on April 28, 2016. Sally was born in Rockmart, GA in 1933, and moved with her family to Apalachicola, FL in 1941, where her parents, Venita and Frederick Fitzgerald, owned and operated the local newspaper, The Apalachicola Times. After graduating from high school, Sally attended Florida State University until she married the love of her life, Billy Howell, in 1952. They moved to Ocala in 1983, where Billy was Vice President of Florida Power Corporation until their retirement I 1992. Sally and Billy spent 59 wonderful years together until Billy’s death in Ocala in 2011. Sally lived life to the fullest and was a homemaker, wife, mother and storyteller extraordinaire. She was an avid reader and a gifted designer and decorator of homes. Her home was always welcoming and full of laughter, love, joy and fun. She was dedicated to all of her family and devoted to keeping the family’s past alive though oral history. Her sense of humor and infectious laugh were trademarks. Her kindness and gentle spirit were unparalleled and endeared her to all those she met. She never met a stranger and was a lifelong friend to all who came to know her. She rejoiced in everyone’s joys and accomplishments and supported everyone in their sadness and disappointments. Sally was a devoted Christian whose faith was her touchstone. Her unwavering belief that she would be reunited with Billy, her sister Smiles Randolph and all those who have passed before her made her last, difficult days more joyous than sorrowful. She will be remembered and missed by all those who knew her. Sally is survived by her brother, Frederick Fitzgerald (Jean) of Apalachicola; her children: Bill Howell of Miami and Holly Townsend (Neil) of Ocala; grandchildren: Lucy Townsend Nuzum (Charlie), Hunter Townsend and Will Howell and step grandchild, Jennifer Townsend. She was predeceased by her husband, Billy Howell, and her sister and best friend, Smiles Randolph of Apalachicola. Services will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala on Saturday, May 14, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, Sally requests a donation to the First Presbyterian Church of Ocala or Hospice of Marion County. David Conn of Bevis Funeral Home, Harvey-Young Chapel, Crawfordville, FL is assisting the family with Apalachicola, FL arrangements. (850-926-3333 or www.bevisfh.com).

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Sally F Howell

January 23, 1933 - April 28, 2016