Helen Harrell Howard

Helen Harrell Howard, daughter of the late Frank and Mary Lee Harrell of Plant City, born in Lakeland, FL September 23, 1954, passed away, December 2, 2024, surrounded by her family and dear friends following a courageous fight with cancer, at her home in Juneau, Alaska.  She met cancer with grace and positivity as a ‘Joyful Warrior’ until God called her home. Helen dedicated her life first to the Lord, then her family and friends. She was selfless, always there to listen and provide wise advice lovingly and without condition. Her career took her from serving in the United States Air Force in South Korea to Cedar Kirk Presbyterian Camp and Conference Center as office manager/Events coordinator, dental office administrator and Moffitt Cancer Center record coordinator. She continued directing her education and career, accordingly, working in the medical field as a home health care manager and CNA, using her skills and empathy in service to others. When in Plant City she was serving wherever the Lord led as Deacon, Elder, Presbyterian Women Moderator and Woman of the Year at First Presbyterian Church. Helen was known for her big smile, infectious laugh, supportive and encouraging personality and kind heart.  She was a talented artist and master gardener, always smiling when planting flowers or volunteering at the community greenhouse, teaching children to plant veggies.  She loved to visit the Mendenhall Glacier and share it and other favorite scenic sites with visiting and local friends alike.  While in remission she traveled to Mexico with family and realized a lifelong dream of cruising through the Panama Canal with some her best friends.  She found great joy spending time with her children and their families doing almost anything, especially a good game of gin rummy. What might have brought her the most happiness in these recent years was being ‘Grandma’ to Mason and Izzie. She is survived by her daughter Christy Howard (Alpheus Bullard), son Charlie Howard (Rebecca), two grandchildren, Mason 9, and Isabel 2.5, all of Alaska, brother John Harrell (Lily Azmitia) of Texas and ‘other mom’ Aunt Betsy Paschall. Helen's memory will also be cherished by extended family and countless friends from Alaska to Florida. There will be a time to visit with the family at 10:00am, Sunday, March 23, 2025 followed by a 10:45am ‘Celebration of Life’ in the Sanctuary at the First Presbyterian Church of Plant City, 404 West Reynolds St., 33563

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church of Plant City. She will be interned at the Florida National in Bushnell, FL at a Committal Ceremony on Monday, March 24 at 1:00pm 

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.         2 Timothy 4:7