Awanda Louise Howell

Awanda Howell, 82, of Chariton passed away peacefully on February 22, 2024.  She was with her son, Jack, and many dear family and friends throughout her last few days. A celebration of life service will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2024, at 10:30 a.m., with the family receiving guests one hour prior to the service at 9:30 a.m. at the Pierschbacher Funeral Home in Chariton, Iowa. Interment will take place at the Chariton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Awanda was born on November 16, 1941, to Jack and Edith Jones in Miami, Florida. She was the youngest of four siblings: Beverly, Carol, and Chuck.

Awanda was working as a waitress at the NCO Club at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in North Carolina when she met her future husband, Jerry Howell. They had two children together and moved to Chariton, Iowa in 1973.

Awanda was a devoted and caring wife and mother, who always put her family first. She was a dedicated member of her church and loved to volunteer and help anyone she could. She was small in stature, but had the strength and heart of a lion. She was the quiet, reliable, presence that buoyed so many through stressful times. Awanda always put others before her, and even during difficult times while her health failed her, she was often heard asking the nurses if there was anything she could do for them.

Awanda was with the love of her life, Jerry, for 57 years and has now joined him where he was waiting for her, just beyond the moon.

Awanda is survived by her son, Jack; her granddaughter, Samantha "Sammi"; her sister, Carol; and her brother, Chuck. She was preceded in death by her husband, Jerry; her son Bill; and her sister, Beverly.