Nansemond-Southampton County Virginia USGenWeb Archives Obituaries.....Howell, John R., 1942 

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JOHN RIDDICK HOWELL

   J.R. Howell, one of our town’s most highly-esteemed citizens, died 
Wednesday afternoon following a brief illness.  Mr. Howell was in his 91st 
year, and during his 51 years resident in Franklin had made a large and 
worth-while contribution to the growth and well-being of the town.

   He was born in Nansemond County May 11, 1851, the son of John Michael and 
Mrs. Elizabeth Howell.  For 45 years he was engaged in the mercantile business 
of J.R. Howell & Co.  Here, with his brother, the late I.E. Howell, and since 
retiring from business had maintained an active interest in his town, his 
church and the fraternal organizations with which he was affiliated.  One of 
the most faithful and useful members of the Franklin Baptist Church, he 
attended all of its services regularly, as well as the Bruner Bible Class of 
that church, serving as deacon of the Church for many years.  He was the 
oldest member of the Pythian fraternity, both in point of years and service, 
and of Franklin Lodge No. 151, A.F. and A.M.

   His wife, Mrs. Mollie Sumner Howell has been dead for a number of years, 
besides three children who grew to maturity: Mrs. Walter H. Norfleet, Dr. 
Carroll S. Howell and Marshall E. Howell.  He is survived by two daughters, 
Mrs. W.H. Burchett of Suffolk and Mrs. George R. Brown of this town; by 11 
grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, several nieces and nephews and a 
host of friends.

   Funeral services were held for him yesterday afternoon in the church which 
he had loved well and served so faithfully. Rev. B.B. Bland of the Methodist 
Church and Dr. Elwood W. Jones of the Christian Church assisting his pastor, 
Rev. R.D. Stephenson, the auditorium being crowded with friends.  The church 
choir sang "How Firm a Foundation" and "Abide with Me," Joel Cook Holland 
singing as a solo "Holy Spirit, Faithful guide."  Mr. Stephenson paid a most 
appropriate and well-merited tribute to the life led by "Uncle Jack" as he was 
familiarly known, holding up as worthy of all emulation and faithfulness, the 
fidelity and the untiring loyalty which had marked Mr. Howell’s religious and 
civic life and conduct for many more years than are ordinarily vouchsafed to 
man.

   Burial was made in the family plot in Poplar Spring Cemetery, the active 
bearers being: Ryland Camp, Dr. Ashley Cutchin, L.R. Jones, Phoebus Jones, 
George Parker, Harry Steinhardt, George Watkins, and Willie Weede.  Honorary 
pallbearers who attended in a body were the members of the Bruner Bible Class 
and of the Masonic and Pythian fraternities.


John Riddick "Jack" HOWELL, retired Franklin merchent, 
b. 11 May 1851, Nansemond Co., d. 11 Mar 1942, 
interred in Poplar Spring Cemetery (Section 2, Plot 28A*), Franklin, 
"The Tidewater News" (Franklin, VA), Mar. 13, 1942 

*Southampton County Historical Society {SCHS} Cemetery Project,
    Poplar Spring list: 
 http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/southampton/cemeteries/poplar2.txt 


Contributed for use in the USGenWeb Archives by 
Mrs. Bruce Saunders (bs4403@verizon.net), 
and re-formatted by File Manager. 

file at: 
http://files.usgwarchives.net/va/isleofwight/obits/h400j6ob.txt