Vina Bell Smith Howell, 95, of Blackshear, passed away Monday afternoon, March 16, 2026, at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House in Waycross, following an extended illness.
Born March 19, 1930, in Nicholls, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Wealthy Roberts Smith. She grew up in Nicholls and graduated from Nicholls High School but lived most of her life in Ware and Pierce Counties. She retired as a telephone operator with Southern Bell and as a sales clerk with Belk Hudson and had worked in the bakery at Harvey’s.
She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Blackshear. She was also a member of the Pioneer Club and the Young at Heart Traveling Group. She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed dancing and was always ready to find a local dance to attend on the weekends.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Reavis Howell Sr.; two daughters, Tina Marie Howell and Jena Howell Tatum and all her siblings.
Survivors include her son, Reavis Howell (wife Kim), Blackshear; three grandchildren, Anna Nunn (husband Robert), Blackshear, Joe Sheppard, Waycross and Karen Sheppard, Neely, MS; four great-grandchildren, Hannah Nunn, Hunter Nunn and Riley Howell, all of Blackshear and Jack Howell of Mississippi; several honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.
Visitation will be from 6-7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, at the Bethel Baptist Church.
Funeral services will be held at 7 p.m. Thursday, March 19, from the Bethel Baptist Church.
A private burial will take place Friday morning, March 20, at Greenlawn Cemetery in Ware County.
In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31503.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.
Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.
