Lura Inez Howell

Lura Inez (Doyle) Howell, 85 of Pensacola, Florida, formerly of Lubbock, Texas, entered heavens gates rejoicing on November 1, 2024. Lura was the oldest of three children born to the late Floyd and Willie Doyle. Born in Santa Rosa, New Mexico on October 4, 1939, she grew up on a cattle ranch outside of Ft. Sumner, New Mexico. Here, she met and married the love of her life, Weldon Ray Howell. Lura was preceded in death by her parents, Floyd C. and Willie Lea (McElroy) Doyle, and her brother, Floyd Doyle Jr., is survived by her most devoted husband of 67 years, Weldon Ray Howell, a brother, Ron Doyle, (Bobby) of Roswell New Mexico, brother-in-laws, Duane Howell of Lubbock, TX, and Aubry Howell, (Jewell) of Shallowater, TX. Also surviving are her children, Curtis Howell, (Theresa) of Pensacola, FL, Sharon Wittsche, (Rob) of Weatherford, TX, Bill Howell, (Kathy) of Crowley TX. Grandchildren, Ashley Rondeau, (Fred) of Panama City, FL, Colin Howell, (Taylor) of Pace, FL, Tyler Randolph, (Janet) of Amarillo, TX, Melissa Granados, (Victor) of Ft. Worth, TX, Jason Wittsche, (Ashley) of Fair Grove, MO, Jonathan Howell, (Emily) of Hillsboro TX, Jacob Howell of Burleson TX, nineteen great grandchildren and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, all of whom had a very special place in her heart. Assured her children were big enough to take care of themselves after school, she worked for the Lubbock Criminal District Attorneys' office from 1973 until 1985. It was work she found meaningful as well as fulfilling. A new year brought the opportunity to become a fulltime daycare provider for her firstborn grandson and she jumped at the chance. Hours of stories, cookies, bugs and adventures followed - she loved being grandma. She later displayed her servants' heart by caring for aging parents. Doctors' visits and meal preparation kept her busy! Her love for music afforded her an opportunity to serve as the church pianist beside her husband for over 45 years. This love she passed on to her children. Other ministries she enjoyed included Vacation Bible School and helping cook for the Sunday pot luck meals Baptist churches are known for. She had a deep love for her Lord and looked for ways she could be of service. Her love of family occupied much of her attention. While she enjoyed each season of life, the retirement season was a fun one. She and Ray enjoyed cruising the high seas, making friends and visiting exotic locations. For their 50th anniversary they took their entire family on a ten day cruise to the Caribbean. They also enjoyed road trips across the USA, visiting family along the way. Great-grandkid season might have been her favorite. Having turned much of the planning and execution of an event over to her children, she was free to play endless games of cards, read stories and in general - play like one of the kids. Visitation will be Friday, Nov 8, 2024 at Sanders Funeral Home, 1420 Main Street, Lubbock, TX - 5:30 -7:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Saturday, Nov 9, 2024 at McKenzie Terrace Baptist Church, 516 N. Martin Luther King Blvd, Lubbock, TX, 10:30 a.m. with Dr. Michael Dain officiating. Burial following at Peaceful Gardens cemetery. Her family would like to thank the staff at Summer Vista Assisted Living Facility for their exceptional care along with the compassionate care givers of Gentiva Hospice. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to Samaritan's Purse or Gentiva Hospice of Pensacola, FL.

Lura Inez Howell

October 4, 1939 - November 1, 2024