Jan Rose Belew Howell passed away on June 8, 2013, in Decatur, AL. She was born in Corbin, KY on March 22nd, 1933. Jan resided in Decatur since 1963. She is preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Charles B. Howell; and her brother, Leonard C. Belew.
She is survived by her sons, Charles B. Howell Jr. (Phyllis), John C. Howell (Lisa), and Todd B. Howell; and her grandchildren, Rachel Paige Howell and John Wesley Howell.
Jan is the daughter of the late George and Christine Belew. Most of her childhood was spent in Knoxville, TN. After graduating from Knoxville High School, Jan attended Howard College and graduated from the nursing program at Birmingham Baptist Hospital. In her early career Jan worked in a variety of nursing positions, including working with her husband as he established his medical practice in Decatur.
Jan was a generous person who donated her time to many local and regional charities. She served at times as the president of the Decatur Women’s Medical Auxiliary, member of the Decatur General Hospital Foundation Guild, President of the Decatur Junior League, member of the Decatur Assembly, Secretary of the Daughters of the American Revolution, and as President of the Board of the Mental Health Center of North Central Alabama. Jan was a tireless lobbyist in Montgomery for programs to improve mental health in her community.
Jan was a faithful member of First Baptist Church, Decatur. Visitation will be in the church chapel on Monday, June 10th, from 5p.m. until 7 p.m. A memorial service will be held at the church on Tuesday, June 11th at 11 a.m. A graveside service will follow.
