Mary S Howell

Mary Smith Howell, age 99, passed away peacefully on March 16, 2025, at her home in Lutz, Florida, surrounded by her loved ones.

A fourth-generation Floridian, she was born to Lawrence L. Smith, and Edna L Hays, on December 30, 1925, in Medulla, Florida. Her passion was in preserving Florida history and sharing stories from her days as a space pioneer, but she took the most pride in her family legacy. She is survived by her son, Phillip Howell, and his wife Ann, of Ocala, Florida, grandchildren Clifton Butts, Kristi Townson, Kerri Burkett, Graham Howell, and Emily Stathas; great-grandchildren William Butts “Scot”, Renee Kinard, Ian “Marley” Burkett, Karsyn Stathas, Karter Stathas, Macy Howell, Gideon Howell, Jacob Howell, and Judah Howell; great-great-grandchildren Kaylen Kinard, Jackson Kinard, and Addalen Kinard.

Pre-deceased by her husband, Van D. Howell, Sr., and her children, Van D. Howell, Jr. “Dave”, and Mary “Ann” Scandling; grandchild, Walter C. Butts, siblings, Woodrow Smith, Dewitt Smith, Ray Smith, and Mildred Galloway.

Instead of flowers, please consider donating to the Florida History Foundation, a non-profit organization she created over 20 years ago to support her efforts to publish her stories of Florida History. Please go to http://www.floridahistoryfoundation.com for more information and updates.

Services will be held at Heath Funeral Chapel at 328 S Ingraham Ave., on Friday, March 28th, 2025, with visitation and family at 9:00 a.m., followed by services at 10:00 a.m., and then a processional to Florida National Cemetery for her burial at 1:00 p.m.

Her family is encouraged to actively update the family tree on Ancestry.com and utilize it as a resource for future generations to connect with their heritage.

A special thank you to all of those who offered support for her this past year, she was overwhelmed with gratitude and the outpouring of love!