Velma D Howell

Velma Howell passed away peacefully on January 17, 2024 with her family by her side at the Life Care Center in Lecanto, Florida. Velma was born on July 8, 1924 to Horace and Alma Stokes in Northfield Township, Michigan. The family moved to the Detroit area where at the roller rink in Plymouth, Velma caught the eye of Archie Howell. They were married on July 11, 1942. They were married for 60 years when her beloved Archie passed away.
In 1955 they moved their family to northern Michigan, first to Sage Lake, then to West Branch, where they raised their family, pursued their careers and made lifelong friends. Velma was well known for the many, many beautiful wedding cakes she made from scratch and decorated. She attended Kirtland Community College in the 1960’s and graduated as an LPN. She worked at Tollfree Memorial Hospital where she excelled in the OB department. By 1980 Archie and Velma moved south. Velma worked and retired from Citrus Memorial Hospital in Inverness, FL. She was a volunteer at the hospital well into her 80’s. When not working she and Archie enjoyed dancing at the VFW, playing cards, fishing, and hosting family and friends at their Florida lake home. She was a member of the Hernando United Methodist Church.
She was known for her lovely paintings and decorating furniture, t-shirts, and sweatshirts with a flourish of flowers and birds. Velma remained remarkably independent, with the help of her daughter, Diane, maintaining her own apartment until a few months ago. She renewed her driver’s license on her 99th birthday and never missed her weekly hair appointment at the local beauty salon. She enjoyed a daily glass of wine while she cooked dinner. Velma was a beloved neighbor, providing transportation and a caring ear to those in need. She will be missed by many.
Velma is survived by her children, Diane Grezeszak, Darlene (Thom) Jones, son-in-law Jack Clayton, and son Gary (Eileen) Howell.
Grandchildren, Larry (Carla) Grezeszak, Rhonda (Andre) Charbonneau, Cheryl Chizzini, Thom (Danielle) Jones Jr. , Theresa (Brian) Libs, Jay (Lori) Jones, John (Ann Marie) Clayton, Holly (Brian) Brindley, Rusty (Ian) Clayton, Ben (Jen) Howell, and Katie (Matt) Mader, many great grandchildren and one great-great grandson.
She was predeceased by her parents, husband Archie, siblings Marjorie (Erland) Bridge, and Gordon (Elfrieda) Stokes, daughter Patricia Clayton, son-in-law Chum Grezeszak, great grandsons, Reid Jones and Tyler White and great-great grandson Gunnar Blakely.
Velma will be laid to rest with Archie at Bushnell National Cemetery where the family will have a private memorial. A celebration of life will take place in Michigan in the summer. Cremation arrangements are under the care of Chas. E. Davis Funeral Home with Cremation Care 3075 S. Florida AVE Inverness, FL 34450.