Mrs. Tezzie Lou (Tess) Howell, age 90 of Plano, TX, passed away Tuesday, September 26, 2012, in Plano.

Born on February 19, 1922, and raised near Vernon in Lamar Co., AL, Tess was the youngest daughter of the late Hardie Allen and Mary Annie Christian Butler. She was a devoted daughter, leaving school at an early age to care for her beloved mother in her final days. She married James Thomas (Jimmy) Howell on September 14, 1944. They adopted and raised their three children in Irving, TX. She had a busy and productive life, holding jobs as varied as welder, beautician, kindergarden teacher, toy sales, and wholesale fine ceramics sales. Her hobbies included gardening sewing, making ceramics, and oil painting. She was an excellect cook and a lifelong member of the Baptist faith. Tess and Jimmy spent 52 happy years together before his passing in 1996 in Tyler, TX.

In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by four brother, Willis Butler, Ernest Butler, Curtis Butler, and Elmer Butler; and sister, Beulah Butler Cargile.

Funeral services will be Saturday at 2:00 at Liberty Freewill Baptist Cemetery with Chuck Howell officiating. Burial will follow in the adjoining cemetery. Visitation will be 1-2 at the church prior to the service.

Tess is survived by two daughters, Theresa Howell of Plano, TX and Elizabeth (Anthony) Lightfoot of Tyler, TX; son, Mark (Connie) Howell of Farmersville, TX; seven grandchildren, Cameron Varnau of Plano, TX, Adam Lightfoot of Tyler, TX, Matthew Lightfoot of Tyler, TX, Mary Catherine Lightfoot of Tyler, TX, Duster Howell of Farmersville, TX, Luke Howell of Farmersville, TX, and Lisa Howell of Farmersville, TX; two great-grandchildren, Aaron Thomas Lightfoot and Zoe Jane Lightfoot of Tyler, TX; and two sisters-in-law, Estelle Butler and Loree Christian.