Beverly Ann Howell

Beverly was born on February 21, “Presidents Day” 1940 in Greensburg, Pennsylvania to Oscar James Henry and Dorothy K. Henry. She died on Memorial Day, Monday, May 26, 2025. She attended High School at Mount Lebanon and graduated in 1962 from Geneva College with a bachelor’s degree in education. Beverly married Richard “Dick” Lathom Howell and moved to Newark, Delaware where they would raise four of their five children. It was there that she earned her master’s degree in instruction from the University of Delaware.

Beverly is survived by five children: Marty Patrick (Stepson), Richard Lathom II, Janine Lee, Kurt James and Bradley Scott. She is also survived by her brother James O. Henry, and eight grandchildren: Ryan Howell-Conkey, Jasmine Howell-Conkey, Destiny Howell-Conkey, Zach Howell, Tanner Howell, Payton Howell, Karissa Howell and Kael Howell, and by three great grandchildren: Maverick, Jonathan and Beckham. She was predeceased by her parents, her husband and her grandson, Taylor Patrick Howell.

Beverly was an outstanding athlete. In college, she was a National Rifle Association champion. She earned her title in the prone position, women’s division. However, her score was high enough to place fourth in the men’s division. She also won multiple state championships in high school and collegiately. Beverly competed in fencing and, yes, she won a state championship in that sport, too. She also practiced Judo, Jujitsu, and golf while in college.

Beverly worked for twenty years as a teacher at Ferris School for Boys. She also taught at the Pike Creek Treatment Center and the Daylight Program. She was well respected in her trade as she was elected to lead the teacher’s union and later served on the Christina School Board.

Beverly was the keystone of the family support. She and Dick were always taking their kids to and from events, supporting and sometimes even coaching them. Weekends with the Howells were never boring. Early on, Dick and Bev would cart the family into the mountains for backpacking and survival adventures. As the kids got older, it was wrestling tournaments and gymnastics practices. They travelled as far as Lincoln Nebraska for events with their kids. Soon, Dick would turn wrestling into a full time job as he began publishing a National Wrestling Magazine (MAT Tournament Calendar). They transformed the house into a factory of periodical production while Bev assumed the roles of editor and layout specialist. She also converted the house porch into a darkroom and served as the photographer.

The Howell house was always full. Sometimes it was wrestling friends staying overnight. Sometimes it was practices in the garage on snow days with Mom Howell making pancakes after the workout. The Howell house was also a transitional place which Bev and Dick offered as a place to stay for kids trying to find their place after finishing school at Ferris or after graduation. Beverly welcomed and supported many teenagers trying to find their way in the world. Many with practical physical support: a place to stay while finding themselves.  Some with practical counselling and encouragement. Some would come to travel with them on hiking trips and outdoor adventures. And then, later, some would come to travel to sports events.

The counselling, transitional boarding, pancakes for wrestlers, hiking trips and genuine love were never on record and were never documented. It was just what you got when you came to her house. It is most likely why all of her children worked in public service: three as teachers and coaches, one as a clinical social worker and one as a parole officer.

During her final decade, Beverly was afflicted with forms of dementia. While family and loving friends continued to visit, she would constantly say how much she loved her family. And even in the later stages, she never forgot their names. Interestingly, when recounting family members, she would often include names of people who stayed at her house whom she had not seen in many years.

Beverly Howell passed away peacefully in her sleep on Monday, May 26, 2025 (Memorial Day). The pages of her life are full of achievement in sports academics, career success and family devotion. It is only fitting that the bookends fall on National Days of remembrance. Her spirit remains a part of this world through her children, grandchildren and all of the people who received the unconditional love she spread. Beverly’s example of generosity in life was also illustrated by her final wishes. She donated her body to the science program at the University of Delaware before her cremation. The family would like to extend a special thank you to Sarah Pensky, Beverly’s special friend who also cared for her in her time of need.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2025, at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship, 420 Willa Road Newark, Delaware, at 11:00 AM. A service and celebration of life will be at 12:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations will be accepted for a fund in her name at Ferris School for Boys Athletics. Please send donations to the Beverly Howell Donation Fund, C/O Doug Griffin, Ferris School, 959 Centre Road, Wilmington, DE 19805.