Debra Gail Howell, 58, passed away Thursday, April 25, 2013. She was born in Nash County on July 26, 1954 to the late Albert Lee Toler and Mary Elizabeth Wheeler.
Gail was a nurse at Nash General Hospital for 24 years.
Left to cherish her memory, her husband of 35 years, Jerry Wayne Howell of Rocky Mount; two daughters, Mary Elizabeth Schnitker and husband, Kasey of Bahama, and Kimberly Dawn Harrell of Rocky Mount; three sisters, Liz Morgan of Pinetops, Pat Whisnant of Conover and Lynn Andrews of Sharpsburg; grandson, Patrick Lee Harrell; several nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends and relatives on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 2:00-3:00pm at Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home. A memorial service to celebrate Gail's life will follow the visitation at 3:00pm in the funeral home chapel with Chaplain Shirley McFarlin officiating.
Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler and Woodlief Funeral Home, 1130 North Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.
Visitation
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 4/27, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Service
Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services
1130 N. Winstead Ave.
Rocky Mount, NC 27804
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Saturday 4/27, 3:00 pm
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family’s loss.
Lit a candle in memory of Debra Gail Howell
Words themselves cannot fully express the sorrow that is felt over the loss of Debra. It is such a difficult thing to deal with. As time goes by,though, you will begin to realize that as you think of her smiles, her affection for family, her laughter, the pain has diminished a bit and you’ll find yourself smiling again. I didn’t know her personally but, having lost someone dear to me, I can empathize with the pain you have and continue to experience. What comfort such scriptures as John 528,29 brought me! You will read there about the promise Jesus gave of resurrecting our loved ones back to life. When he resurrected His friend Lazarus back to life, He showed his ability and desire to fulfill that promise. ( John 1138-44 ) Can you just imagine the joy Lazarus’ sisters felt when they held him in their arms once again This joy we too will feel in the very near future. Until that day comes, we have the promise that God will draw close to those whose hearts have been broken ( Psalms 3418 ) I truly hope these few scriptures have helped lessen the pain you feel as they had mine.
To the Howell family, Extending deep and heartfelt sympathy to you over the loss of Debra. May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope by means of undeserved kindness, comfort YOUR hearts and make YOU firm in every good deed and word. 2 Thessalonians 216, 17; John 521, 28, 29; Matthew 55. May your cherished memories stay forever in your heart and bring you comfort and peace. My deepest condolences.
I worked with Debra at Nash for a short while. I remember her smile and sweet personality. I’m sorry to hear about your loss. Your family is in my prayers . Jill Steward
Few things in life will ever affect us more deeply than the death of a loved one. Afterwards, you may have to be contending with a range of emotions that you never before experienced. Death affects each person differently. Indeed, the Bible says that each one has his own plague & his own pain.(2 Chron. 629) Crying is not a sign of weakness. Even such strong men as Abraham, Joseph, David, & Jesus shed tears when they were grieving.- Gen. 232; Gen. 501; 2 Samuel 111,12; Samuel 1833; John 1135. Grief can be like waves that crashed ashore at unexpected moments. This is normaleven if it occurs years after your loved ones death. Dont hold back the tears! Crying helps ease the pain of grief. People grief in different ways. The important thing is this If you feel tears welling up, realize that it may be A time to weep (Ecc. 34) Jesus Christ was a perfect man who had strong faith in God. Yet, he Gave way to tears over the death of his friend, Lazarous. (John 1135) We can find much comfort through the help of the Bible. In time the grief will ease & you will be able to carry on, from one day to the next. I hope that these words will help you in your time of need