UNDATED — Geneva McClain Howell, 93, passed away peacefully Wednesday, August 13, 2025, while in hospice care in St. Johns County, Fla.
Born October 25, 1931 in Brantley County to John Riley Mc-Clain and Mary Etta Dowling McClain, Mrs. Howell was a graduate of Brantley County High School. Her life journey took her to various parts of Florida, where she built a rich family legacy spanning multiple generations.
Mrs. Tatum married Havard Howell, and the couple initially resided in Jacksonville, Fla., before establishing their family home in Plant City, Fla., where they raised their three children. Following Havard's passing, she returned to her roots and found companionship again with Winston Highsmith, enjoying several years of marriage until his death.
She later moved back to Florida, living in Hillsborough County before settling in Putnam County with her son, Greg.
Mrs. Tatum is survived by her three children, Kathy Regan (Tim), Jeffrey Howell (Tina) and Gregory Howell (Lory); her sister, Barbara Mc-Clain Teachey of Hoboken; a brother, Truman McClain (Donna); 18 grandchildren; 18 greatgrandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.
Mrs. Tatum was preceded in death by her husbands, Havard Howell and Winston Highsmith; her parents, John Riley and Mary Etta Mc-Clain; brothers, Walter McClain, Robert McClain and Roy McClain; and sisters, Mary Beverly, Margaret McClain and Mattie Randall.
Throughout her 93 years, Mrs. Tatum maintained strong family connections and created a lasting legacy through her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Her journey came full circle as she returned to Florida in her later years, where she spent her final days surrounded by family who cherished her.
A funeral service was held Saturday, August 16, 2025 at Hoboken Baptist Church.
Burial followed in High Bluff Cemetery.
Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.milesodumfuneralhome. com Miles-Odum Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.
Moseley
