Earleen Howell, 96, of Monticello, MS, went home to be with the Lord on August 23, 2026. She was born to Leslie Fate Buchanan and Ida Mae Morris Buchanan on February 27, 1930, in Tylertown, MS. Earleen was retired from a lifelong career as a valued seamstress with the Kellwood Company. As a member of Bethel Baptist Church for more than 75 years, Earleen lived her life in service to Christ. Her devotion to service and seeking God’s will made her an inspiration and an example for all who knew her. She particularly enjoyed participating in church mission trips and Vacation Bible School.

Earleen loved spending time with her family, friends, and loved ones, and throughout her life, she rarely turned down an opportunity to go and to do. She especially appreciated the beauty of flowers, and she was always delighted to come across a good deal or a bargain find. Her hands were often busy with crocheting, and she loved reading her Bible and a good fiction book.

There was no limit to her capacity to love others, and her ability to make each one of her children and grandchildren feel as though they were her personal favorite led to years of playful banter and competition among the family members as they all claimed the coveted title. She is survived by her son, Bobby Don Miller (Sherry), and daughters, Brenda Stormo, Sandra Nations, and Rose Davis (Terry). She also leaves behind granddaughters Leslie Howe, Christy Stormo, Allison Daniels, and Ashley Chavis, and grandsons Cris Robbins, Todd Robbins, Shannon Nations, Lance Nations, and Austin Davis, as well as their spouses. In addition, Earleen’s heart had expanded time and again as she was blessed with many great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. Preceding her in death were: her siblings, sister Zula Magee, and brothers Elzy, Jewel, Earl, Leslie (Junior), and Delmus Buchanan; two sons-in-law, Joe Stormo and Donald Nations; a grandson, Scott Stormo; a great-grandson, Eli Robbins; and three husbands, Fleet Miller, Hubert Reid, and Wilmer Howell.

The family has entrusted Wilson Funeral Home with the arrangements. Visitation is scheduled from 5-8pm on Tuesday, August 25th and 12-2pm on Wednesday, August 26th. A Celebration of Life is scheduled for 2pm on Wednesday, followed by a graveside ceremony. All services will take place at Bethel Baptist Church, 72 Bethel Road, Monticello.