It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Barbara Anne Garner Howell, wife, daughter, sister, friend, but most importantly, Aunt. She loved being around her nieces, nephew, great nieces and great nephews and she was loved in return.

Barbara was born on February 3, 1933, to the late Xavier Worthington Garner and Mary Murphy Garner. As a lifelong resident of La Plata, Barb grew up on her family's farm and was the youngest of four children. She graduated from La Plata High School in 1951 and attended Strayers Secretarial School. After completing her course work, she went to work for the US Government at Andrews Air Force Base where she worked until her retirement after 40 years of service.

She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Edward Dale Howell. She is also survived by 3 nieces, Judith Garner Simpson, Sharon Turner Nelson, and Gail Turner Gromen (Pete). She is also survived by Nichelle Smith, who is considered a member of the family. She is preceded in death by her siblings, Leonore Garner Jones (Omar), Xavier Worthington Garner, Jr (Adelaide), Katharine Garner Turner (Oden), nephew Omar J Jones III and nieces Sue Jones Carroll (Jack) and Deborah Garner Wood.

Barbara loved traveling after she retired. She and Dale visited Australia, New Zealand, Hawaii and numerous places in Europe. She also traveled with her friends, Louise, Lloyd and Ethel and they always had a wonderful time during their travels. She hosted many parties for family and friends. She loved making sure her fancy china and silver were used at her home and taught her nieces and nephews the value of good etiquette. She and Dale had many friends who were part of their social life. In her later years she loved talking on the phone to her family, former colleagues, lifelong friends and neighbors. She loved keeping in touch with everyone. Family and friends will miss her phone calls and catching up with her.

A visitation will be held on Monday, March 3, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ignatius Chapel Point, 8855 Chapel Point Road, Port Tobacco, MD 20677. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt thanks to Barb's caregivers who were with her at the time of her passing, Cassie, Collen, Linda, Marcia and Maria. Barb wanted to stay at home and that would not have been possible without their love, kindness, expertise and compassion.

In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial contributions to the Humane Society of Charles County, 71 Industrial Park Drive, Waldorf, MD 20602 or to Hospice of the Chesapeake, 2505 Davis Road, Waldorf, MD 20603.