Gladys “Erlene” Howell, 85, Russellville, passed away Dec. 31 at Cottage of the Shoals Nursing Home.

Mrs. Howell was a native of Franklin County and member of First Freewill Baptist Church. She was retired from Russellville City Schools, where she was a cook in the cafeteria.

The visitation will be Jan. 2 from 5-8 p.m. at Pinkard Funeral Home Russellville. Funeral service will be Jan. 3 at 11 a.m. at First Freewill Baptist Church, Russellville, with Thomas Lloyd officiating. The body will be placed in the church at 10 a.m. Burial will be in Franklin Memory Gardens.

Survivors include son, John and wife Diane Howell; daughter, Linda and husband Buddy Troutt; son-in-law, Ray and wife Denise Yocom; six grandchildren; seven great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.

Pallbearers will be Ray Yocom, Buddy Troutt, Brandon James, Chad Zills, Dylan Bales and Braden Bales.

She was preceded in death by husband, Benjamin Howell; parents, Samuel S. and Jalay Garrett Smith; daughter, Gladys Yocom; sister, Lassie Fretwell; and brothers, Hubert, Cecil, Thomas and Lonnie Smith.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to First Freewill Baptist Church in Russellville.