Vina Bell (Smith) Howell

Mrs. Vina Bell Smith Howell, age 96, of Blackshear, passed away Monday afternoon (3/16/2026) at the Hospice Satilla Hospice House following an extended illness.

Born March 19, 1930, in Nichols, Georgia, she was a daughter of the late Henry and Wealthy Roberts Smith. She grew up in Nichols and graduated from Nichols High School but lived most of her life in Ware and Pierce Counties. She retired as a telephone operator with Southern Bell and as a salesclerk with Belk Hudson and had worked in the bakery at Harvey’s.

She was a member of Bethel Baptist Church in Blackshear. She was also a member of the Pioneer Club and the Young at Heart Traveling Group.  She loved her family and spending time with her grandchildren and great grandchildren and enjoyed dancing and was always ready to find a local dance to attend on the weekends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Jack Reavis Howell, Sr.; 2 daughters, Tina Marie Howell and Jena Howell Tatum; and all her siblings.

Survivors include her son, Reavis Howell (wife Kim) of Blackshear; 3 grandchildren, Anna Nunn (husband Robert) of Blackshear, Joe Sheppard of Waycross, and Karen Sheppard of Neely, MS; 4 great grandchildren, Hannah Nunn, Hunter Nunn, and Riley Howell, all of Blackshear and Jack Howell of Mississippi; several honorary grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

A funeral service will take place Thursday evening (3/19/26) at 7 p.m. at Bethel Baptist Church. 

The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday one hour prior to the service.

A private burial will take place on Friday morning at Greenlawn Cemetery in Waycross.

In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to Hospice Satilla, 808 Evergreen Way, Waycross, Georgia 31503.

Sympathy may be expressed by signing online at www.hartfh.com.

Hart Funeral Home of Blackshear is in charge of arrangements.

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