Caroline Howell

Belden- Yancey Carol Lott Howell (Caroline) died peacefully in her sleep at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, MS, on Thursday, January 9, 2025, after being diagnosed with lung cancer 6 months prior. She was born on February 3, 1959, in Kilmichael, MS. She was 65.

Caroline was preceded in death by her parents, Yancy Marion Lott, Jr. and Helen Tyler Lott; and a brother, William Allen "Bill" Lott.

Caroline graduated from Kilmichael High School in 1977 and Mississippi State University in 1982, receiving a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing. Caroline was a devoted Mississippi State fan her entire life. Hail State!

Caroline married the love of her life, Ricky (Rick) Howell, in 1983. Both originally from Kilmichael, MS, Caroline and her husband have called Tupelo home for over 40 years.

Everyone loved Caroline. There was no one like her and there will never be another.

She was the brightest of lights with her radiant smile, sweet personality, warm presence, and charming ability to make friends with everyone she ever met. Her unique fashion and distinct style were uncompromising. Our memories are dominated by the wonderful times we got to spend with her.

She loved good music, good food, traveling with Rick, holidays with her big family, and her dogs, Bella and Elvis.

She was like sunshine; she was our joy; she was our gift.

She left us way too soon and we're going to miss her so much.

After graduating from MSU, Caroline was employed by several national drug wholesale companies providing expert merchandising skills and calling on independent drug stores all over Mississippi and Alabama. Caroline was beloved by all of her customers and coworkers.

Caroline was also a founding partner in a registered angus cattle farm in Baldwyn, MS, managing accounting for the farm operation and herd registration.

Those left to cherish her memory are her husband of 42 years, Rick Howell; sisters, Melissa Lott, Kilmichael, MS; Luanne Lott Stewart (Van) Kilmichael, MS; Amanda Lott Barr (Bob), Big Canoe, GA; and Holley Lott Beeland (Richard), Chattanooga, TN; her brothers, Murray Thomas Lott (Sheryl), Mooreville, MS; John Phillip Lott, Ft. Worth, TX; Brooke Townsend Lott (Cindy), Birmingham, AL; and Kevin Tyler Lott (Kathy), Tupelo, MS; a host of nieces and nephews; and special family friends Natasha and Brent Powell.

The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the caregivers for their unwavering love, support, and care during Caroline's time of need.

Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Mount Vernon Chapel.

Visitation will be held at Mount Vernon Chapel, 1716 McCullough Blvd, Tupelo, MS, on Thursday, January 16 from 12:00 - 2:00 pm. A memorial service will follow at 2:00. An additional service will be held at Kilmichael United Methodist Church on Friday, January 17. Visitation will be held from 1:30 - 2:00 pm and a memorial service at 2:00. Both services will be oficiated by Dr. Bryan Collier. Following the service, a reception will be held at Knox House, 303 S. Depot Avenue, in celebration of Caroline's life.

Honorary pallbearers will be: Holland Stewart, Harper Beeland, Blake Powell, Sam Lott, Matthew Lott, Clayton Lott, Greg Howell, Brian Howell, John Lee Peeples, Brad Peeples, David Peeples, Patrick Alford, Tyler Howell, and J.J. Howell.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Sanctuary Hospice House, 5159 West Main St., Tupelo, MS 38803 or the Tupelo Lee Humane Society, 2795 Cliff Gookin Blvd, Tupelo, MS 38801.