Mary E. (Sullivan) Howell

       Mary E. Howell, age 92 of Marion, formerly of Chicago, died Wednesday, October 4, 2023 at Parkway Manor in Marion. She was born September 10, 1931 in Jonesboro, the daughter of Daniel Webster and Velma (Hancock) Sullivan.

         After graduation from Anna Jonesboro High School, and Carthage College she met her future husband, Richard “Dick” Howell. They married on August 13, 1955 and moved to the Chicago area where they lived until his passing on October 20, 2018.

         Mary dedicated her life to professionalism and education. She was the Dean of Students at Niles Township High School in Skokie, IL and was the first female truant officer in Cook County. Despite her size she was respected and taken very seriously.

         She loved to travel the world with her husband, Richard, his brother and wife, Ronald and Nancy, visiting all 50 states and 3 continents over the years. Mary cherished her close relationships with her family and thought of her nieces and nephews as her own children.

         Mary is survived by her sister, Jane (Richard) Randol of Canton, GA; brother, Steve (Bonnie) Sullivan of Anna; brother and sister-in-law, Ronald (Nancy) Howell of Bosie, ID; very special nephews, I.D. Tripp and Tim Howell; numerous special nephews and nieces; other extended family and friends. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Richard “Dick” Howell; brother, Isaac D. Sullivan and sister, Mabel Moss.

         Graveside services will be at 1:00 p.m. Monday, October 9, 2023 at the Anna Cemetery with Pastor Doug Bridgeman officiating. Interment will immediately follow. Friends may visit after 12:00 noon and until the service at 1:00 p.m. on Monday at the Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Southern Illinois. Envelopes will be available at the cemetery and the Rendleman & Hileman Funeral Home.

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