Joyce June Howell

Joyce June Howell, 86, of Johnston City, passed away on Tuesday, March 10, 2026.

Born on June 30, 1939, in Hurst to Edwin James and Stella Keirn, Joyce graduated from Hurst High School. She married Larry Leroy Howell on August 22, 1956, and the couple shared nearly 70 years of marriage. For many years she worked as a kitchen aide for the Johnston City School District, serving students at Washington, Jefferson, and Johnston City High School and caring for generations of children in the community.

A lifelong woman of deep faith, Joyce was a devoted member of Whiteash Free Will Baptist Church. She possessed a servant’s heart and quietly helped wherever she was needed, whether in the kitchen, the nursery, or sitting with the elderly. She also enjoyed knitting, lovingly creating more than 70 afghans that she gave to family and friends for special occasions.

Joyce is survived by her husband, Larry Howell of Johnston City; daughter and son-in-law, Debra Sue and Lindell Edwards of Johnston City; son and daughter-in-law, Larry Edwin and Kathryn Howell of Marion; grandson, Christopher (Stephanie) Howell of Marion; granddaughter, Angie (Brett) Bardon of O’Fallon, Missouri; great-grandchildren, Peyton Howell and Taylor Bardon; and sister, Esther Dixon of Desoto. She was preceded in death by her parents, brother Robert James Keirn, sisters Stella Powers and Janet Ann Mainer, and niece Joyce Gosha.