Lila Lee Howell

Graveside services for Lila Lee Howell, 96, of Edgewood, are scheduled for 11:00 am, Thursday, at Restland Memorial Park in Dallas.  Friends may visit the funeral home in Edgewood to pay their final respects and sign the register book between 11:00 am and 7:00 pm Wednesday.  There will not be a formal family visitation.

Lila Lee Allen Howell, a remarkable woman whose life spanned an incredible 96 years, passed away peacefully while surrounded by family during the early morning hours on Friday, September 15, 2023, in Tyler, Texas. She was born on December 5, 1926, in Dallas, Texas, to her proud parents, C.B. Allen and Lillie B. Terry Allen.

Lila's journey through life was a testament to her resilience, strength, and unwavering love for her family. She spent her formative years in the Richardson and Dallas areas, culminating in her graduation from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1944.

On March 30, 1946, in New London, Connecticut, Lila married the love of her life, L.L. Howell III, and together they embarked on an incredible journey. They traversed various regions of Texas before ultimately settling in the welcoming community of Edgewood in 1963, where they lived and worked for the remainder of their lifetime. Lila dedicated herself to a diverse career, leaving her mark at First National Bank of Edgewood, Southland Mfg. in Terrell, Howell Equipment Co., and the city of Richardson. She shared her passion for ranching with her beloved husband, L.L., as they jointly managed the Walking H Ranch in Edgewood. Lila’s favorite career and greatest sense of joy came from being a mother and raising her two sons, Terry and J. Lee.

Lila's spiritual home was Cheatham Memorial Methodist Church, where her faith was a guiding light throughout her life. She was well-supported and loved by her church family. Her culinary talents were legendary, and all who entered her home were treated to her delicious cooking and baking. She was well-known for her pound cake with the pink swirl. Many thought she was as sweet as her pound cake, and those that knew her well knew she exhibited a quick wit, a sense of straight talk, and could be a little short on patience at times. However, those who visited her were always made to feel as if they were family, and no one ever left hungry, but instead with full bellies and a full heart. Lila enjoyed many fun years of square dancing with L.L., her favorite dance partner. Also, Lila possessed a zest for adventure and exploration, often embarking on memorable travel journeys with L.L. in their cherished motorhome as members of the Road Runner R.V. club.

She was preceded in death by her loving husband of an astounding 67 years, L.L. Howell III, as well as her parents, C.B. and Lillie B. Allen, her sister Peggy Arnold, and Peggy's husband Roger.

Lila is survived by her two adored sons, Terry A. Howell, Sr. and wife, Sue of Lago Vista, TX, and J. Lee Howell and wife, Helen of Edgewood; Lila is also survived by five much-loved grandchildren, Terry A. Howell, Jr. and wife, Kristin of Fayetteville, AR; Lisa Howell LaGrone and her husband, Terry of Lago Vista, TX; Michael S. Howell and wife, Katie of Charlotte, NC; Lee Ann Howell Loup and husband, Jimmy of Knoxville, TN; and Lucinda Howell Hallman and husband, Brett of Richardson, TX; Lila also delighted in her great-grandchildren, Brenna, Lane, and Colby Howell; Faith, Lily, and Bella Dreibrodt; Matthew, Megan, Madison, and Mackenzie LaGrone; Henrie, Slaton, and William Howell; Lila and Sadie Loup, and Hank Levi Hallman; and many other relatives and friends.

Lila Lee Allen Howell's warmth, kindness, humor, and loving spirit touched the hearts of many, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of her family and numerous friends.

In memory of Lila, donations may be made in her name to Cheatham Memorial Methodist Church in Edgewood, TX.

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