Bettye Howell

Bettye Burson Howell, age 94, of Pinson, AL, passed into the arms of our Heavenly Father on Wednesday, March 13, 2024. Bettye was born on February 1, 1930, in Birmingham, AL. She was preceded in death by her parents, George H. Burson, Sr. and Martha McEarley Burson, and by her brother, George H. Burson, Jr. Bettye is survived by her loving husband John H. Howell of Pinson. She is also survived by her son, Alan Del Howell (Robin) of Gulf Shores, and by her daughter, Hollye J. Howell of Birmingham. She is also survived by 6 grandchildren; Alison Steineker (Will) of Vestavia Hills, Ashley Emmons (Justin) of Gulf Shores, Melissa Paquette of Vestavia Hills, and Patrick Howell (Erin) of Mountain Brook, Brady Howell and Mason Howell, both of Gulf Shores, AL. She is also survived by her brother-in-law, Michael Howell (Trish) and her sister-in-law, Fay Farmer. Bettye has cousins, nieces and nephews whom she adored, as well as 10 wonderful great grandchildren whom she loved very much. Bettye was raised in Palmerdale, Alabama, and she graduated from Jefferson County High School (Tarrant High School). She had many talents and they included art, athletics, swimming and diving. Bettye gained many honors and accolades during her life including becoming Miss Alabama in 1951. She attended Howard College (Samford University), and earned an education degree specializing in art. She would become an art teacher and later earned a Master’s degree from the University of Alabama. Over the next 35 years she would teach art and touch many lives in the Birmingham area schools, and retired from education after several years at Vestavia Hills High School. Bettye and Johnny retired in the Cumberland Lake community in the Pinson area after their teaching years. During retirement, Bettye continued to teach art and crafts to adults in Trussville. She kept busy all her life, and that work ethic served her well. Funeral services for Bettye will be Monday, March 25, 2024, at Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens, in Trussville, Alabama. Visitation will occur at 11AM and the funeral will occur at 12 Noon. A graveside service will follow. Jefferson Memorial Funeral Home and Gardens is located at 1591 Gadsden Hwy, Birmingham, Alabama 35235.