Mary Frances Howell

Mary Frances Howell, 82, of Macon, Georgia, entered into her eternal rest with her Savior, Jesus Christ, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 PM, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at Sardis-Heard Funeral Home. The family will greet friends for visitation one hour prior to the service. Mary will be laid to rest at Glen Haven Memorial Gardens following the service.

Mary was born on April 29, 1943, in Savannah, Georgia, to the late Elmer and Nora Gay. She was an example of the Proverbs 31 woman, “Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. A woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate.”

Mary was a prayer warrior, a compassionate caregiver, and a Super-Mom. She loved to craft, making hand-crafted items to share with family and friends. She also loved to cook and bake. Mary is known for her Special Christmas Red Velvet Cake, and for the Best Chicken and Dumplings on the planet. Her red velvet cake came from her own special recipe plus inspiration from God to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ: the red color is for the blood of Jesus, the 3 layers represent the God-head (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit), and the white icing represents the power of the blood to cleanse and wash His people white as snow. Her famous, secret Chicken-and-Dumpling recipe will forever be a family classic that will be shared from generation to generation for years to come.

Mary found enjoyment being at home. She could be found sitting in her favorite Lazy-Boy chair, watching her three favorite shows: “The Andy Griffith Show”, “Wheel of Fortune”, and old Westerns. She loved watching the beauty of horses in Western movies. She loved their majestic way of galloping and all the sounds they made. Mary also adored her tabby cat, Charlie, who brought her great comfort and company. She loved her family and friends with all her heart and soul, and she will be missed greatly!

Mary is survived by her sons, David Howell (Lianne), Mark Howell (Margie), Tim Self (Marquita), and Stephen Howell (Jenny); her grandchildren, Kaylee Porter (Chris), Brian Howell (Anastacia), Tyler Howell, Summer Stapleton (David), Caleb Howell (Haley), Sarah Howell, Kera Davis (Martin), Destiny Bowers (Stewart), Trinity Stone (Kersey), and Trevor Self; her many beloved great-grandchildren; her sister and lifelong best friend, Jeanette Smith (Tommy); and her brothers, Tommy Gay (Barbara) and Dennis Gay (Judy). She is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dwight Howell; and her sister, Diane Dover.

Please visit www.sardisheardfunerals.com to express your condolences. Sardis-Heard Funeral Home, 6125 Houston Road, Macon, Georgia 31216, has charge of the arrangements.