Virgie Blanche Howell, 92 of Springdale entered her heavenly home Wednesday, April 30, 2025 at her home. She was born November 6, 1932 in Jasper, Arkansas to the late Lewis and Audrey (Reynolds) Watson. After two years of courtship, she married Omer Howell on March 4, 1949. Virgie was a wife, mother, grandmother and dedicated homemaker. She was a loving caregiver to all.

Her life was faithfully devoted to the Lord and her family. Her strongest passion was singing. Virgie enjoyed working in the garden with her dad and canning with her mother. She was a bee charmer, a master seamstress and could play a mean game of dominoes. Virgie loved attending and was a proud member of Valley Lighthouse Church in Hindsville. She enjoyed the fellowship and singing with her church family. Virgie greatest joy was family gatherings with children and grandchildren. She was zealous in sharing her faith and commitment to the Lord. She was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Omer Howell; four children, Jimmy Howell, Karen Howell, Jerry Howell and Gary Howell; two grandchildren, Ronnie Howell, Jr. and Amy Howell; two brothers, James Watson and Dennis Watson; one sister, Dena Jones.

Virgie is survived by six children, Ronnie Howell and wife, Maryann, Cynthia Reed, James Howell and wife, Lorna, Kenneth Howell and wife, Kelli, Donna Kling and husband, Heath, Jeff Howell and wife, Stephanie; 31 grandchildren; numerous great grandchildren and great-great grandchildren; two sisters, Gussie Daugherty and Cathy McKinney.

Funeral services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday, May 15, 2025 at Calvary Free Will Baptist Church in Springdale with Pastor Jeff Netherton and Pastor James Howell officiating. Visitation will begin at 12:00 pm. prior to the service.  The interment will follow at Friendship Cemetery in Springdale. The pallbearers are Mark Johnson, Robbie Howell, Jerry Howell, Jr., Jeremy Lobato, Michael Riggs, Jason Howell, Heath Kling and Jackson Howell. The honorary pallbearers are Chuck Howell, Dallas Howell and Michael Hood.