Mary Sams Howell

Mary Sams Howell June 1, 1929 - September 20, 2009 Mary Catherine Sams Howell, 80, of Waco, went to be with her Savior on September 20, 2009, after a high-spirited crusade with cancer. Memorial services will be at 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, September 23, at First Baptist Church of Waco with Rev. Don Cannata officiating. A private burial will be at Oakwood Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 p.m., Tuesday, September 22, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Mary was born June 1, 1929, at Hillcrest Baptist Hospital in Waco to loving parents, Ross and Olna Sams. Mary was born with Cerebral Palsy and had limited use of her right arm and leg. She grew up with the support and encouragement of her family that empowered her to shine in life. Mary's disability never kept her from achieving success and living life to the fullest. Mary was educated in the Waco Independent School District and graduated from Waco High School in 1947. In 1951, she received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Baylor University where she met the love of her life, Earl Frank Howell, and many life long friends. Mary went on to receive her Master of Arts from the Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas in 1956. In 1958, Mary married her college sweetheart, Earl. Together they owned and operated Howell the Florist in Waco from 1962 - 1978. They had three children, Greg Martin, Hobson Anthony and Gala Mignon. Mary was strong in her Christian belief and was an inspiration to others through her Christ-like life. She had a lifelong association at First Baptist Church of Waco. She was enrolled in the Cradle Roll before she left the hospital as an infant. In 2007, Mary was named the First Baptist Church Female Senior Adult of the Year. Her commitment included chaperoning high school students on mission trips and secretary of the night youth program. For over 20 years, Mary worked in the church library and prayer room. She and husband, Earl, hosted many dinners and events for groups at First Baptist, as well as, participated in the Baylor student adoption program. Mary volunteered her time with many local philanthropies. She volunteered for Meals on Wheels for 27 years. Mary held an Easter Seal chair and supported many local charities. She was a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority at Baylor and the Junior League of Waco. Mary's hobbies included worldwide travel with family and friends, having been to more than 50 countries and every state in the USA. She was a competitive bridge player, enjoying many hours playing Liverpool Rummy and Train Domino. Mary was also a supporter and fan of Baylor Athletics. She was awarded the Lady Bears Fan of the Year in 2009. The Sams Family Endowment Fund has provided scholarship assistance to many Baylor students over the years. Mary's sense of humor was contagious and she was loved by all who knew her. Mary was preceded in death by her husband, Earl Frank Howell; infant son, Greg Martin Howell; parents, Ross and Olna Sams; mother-in-law, Eula Howell; sisters-in-law, Frances Sams and Olive Sams and brother-in-law, Perry Howell. Survivors include son, Hobson Howell and wife, Melissa, of Lorena; daughter, Gala King of Lorena; five grandchildren, Hobson Howell, Jr., Clark Howell, Chance King, Scout Clendenin and Kave Clendenin, all of Lorena; brother, Ross Sams of Waco; brother-in-law Greg Howell and wife, Linda, of Waco; sister-in-law, Peggy Oliphint and husband, Keith, of Waco; and many nieces, nephews and cousins. During her battle with cancer, Mary received care and love from many special people. The family would like to thank her beloved niece, Donna Sams, lifelong friend, Becky Russell, as well as other wonderful caregivers, Teresa Johnson, Mindy Dehart, Carol Cowart and Hillcrest Hospice. The family would also like to thank all of Mary's lifelong friends who were with Mary during her final weeks. Your support and love for Mary and her family is one of beauty and truly impacted their life. For those who knew Mary, now know, she is singing on key with the angels in heaven, running like she never has before and enjoying the party. Memorials may be made to The Olna McDonald Sams Endowed Scholarship at Baylor University, 1 Bear Place, # 97026, Waco Texas, 76798. Memorials may also be made to the First Baptist Foundation at 500 Webster, Waco, Texas, 76706. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.wilkirsonhatchbailey.com. Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey