Thelus Gayle Howell

March 21,1943 - March 4, 2025

Thelus Gayle Howell was born on March 21, 1943 in Oklahoma City, OK to Clyde and Ysleta Bower and after a period of declining health, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on March 4, 2025.  She was a loving wife to Thomas (Tom) Howell, wonderful mother to Susan and Michael, and "the best" Nana to Ashlyn, David, Jeffrey, and Stephen.

She was raised in Oklahoma City and met Tom as a teenager at a summer entomology conference and camp in Gould, CO that their fathers attended with their families.  Thelus began college at Oklahoma State University and married Tom on June 15, 1963 after he graduated.  She moved with Tom around the east coast as he served in the Navy and ultimately received her degree in education from Old Dominion University.  Her college graduation was the culmination of studies at several universities and fulfilled a promise to her parents to obtain her degree.

Tom and Thelus built a wonderful life together in Sherman, both actively participating in First Baptist Church. She served on the bereavement, decorating, and constitution committees.  She brought meals to many people in times of need as a member of the Joy Sunday School Class and studied the Bible through BSF and other women's studies.  Thelus had a profound gratitude for the grace of God in her life and His salvation through Jesus.  Next to her faith, family was the most important thing to her, and she invested heavily in them through her prayers for, care of and nurturing relationships with them.

She was a long-time member of the P.E.O. Sisterhood philanthropic organization and served in many roles, including president. She was a substitute teacher in the Sherman school district, and administrators loved her because she managed the classroom so well.  Thelus loved music, dancing and relationships with long-time friends.  Family vacations around the world made priceless memories cherished by all.

Thelus is survived by her husband Tom of Sherman; daughter Susan Cobb and her husband Jon of Austin, TX; son Michael and his wife Elizabeth of Coppell, TX; granddaughter Ashlyn (Cobb) Huddleston and her husband Davis of Richardson, TX; grandson David Howell and his wife Becca of Melissa, TX; grandson Jeffrey Howell of Coppell, TX; grandson Stephen Cobb of Dallas, TX; sister-in-law Susie Bower of Tulsa, OK; and sister-in-law Sue Howell of Ft. Worth, TX and her husband Bob Boyd; and several nieces, nephews and a grand-niece.  She was preceded in death by her parents Clyde and Ysleta Bower of Oklahoma City, OK; father- and mother-in-law Mike and Carleen Howell of Stillwater, OK; and her brother John Bower of Tulsa, OK.

Services will be held on Saturday, March 15 at 10:00 a.m. in the chapel of First Baptist Church of Sherman.  Dr. Mike Lawson will officiate.  A private interment will follow later at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.  Waldo Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the First Baptist Church, 400 S. Travis, Sherman, Texas 75090 or to your favorite charity.