Shelley Bennett Howell passed away on August 25, 2019, peacefully at home following a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones. Shelley was an integral part of the Water Valley community. She was a charter member of the Southern Living Garden Club, past president of the Water Valley Junior Auxiliary, past member of the board of directors of the Water Valley Chamber of Commerce, past member of the board of directors of the Blackmur Memorial Library, and numerous other civic and social organizations. She enjoyed reading and traveling. Shelley loved animals, adopted many dogs during her lifetime, and supported animal rescue organizations. Socializing with her dear friends was a special joy to Shelley, particularly her 30+ years with the “Birthday Lunch Bunch”.
Visitation is planned for Thursday, August 29, 2019 from 1:00 until 3:00 pm in the Gardiner Room at Seven Oaks Funeral Home. Funeral services will begin at 3:00 pm in the Henry Chapel of Seven Oaks Funeral Home with Robert Allen officiating. Interment will follow in Oxford Memorial Cemetery
Shelley is survived by her devoted husband of 39 years, Trent Howell; her siblings, Dr. Frank Bennett, Debbie Bennett Drago (Philip), and Barbara Bennett; her nieces, Andrea Mulkey (Garrett), Alana Snapka (Ben) and Rebecca Drago; and their children, Jackson , Olivia, Reese, and Hailey Rose; her brothers-in-law, Paul B. Howell (Wanda) and their children, Hillary Ward (John), Haley Boyd (Alex), and Michael Howell; Rex D. Howell ( Denise Sunderland) and his children, Sarah, Spencer and Erin; James M. Howell (Debbie ) and his children, Victoria, Nathaniel, Cora, Mahala, Eleasah, and Gabriel; and her sister-in-law, Holly Turner (Tim). She is also survived by a host of other relatives and friends.
Mrs. Howell was preceded in death by her parents, Dr. and Mrs. David Bennett, and her nephew, Brock Howell.
Memorials may be made to Second Chance Animal Alliance, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, or Blackmur Memorial Library.