Joyce Howell

IN MEMORY OF: Joyce Howell Serving Location: CRAIN PLEASANT GROVE-MURDALE FUNERAL HOME 31 Memorial Drive, Murphysboro, Illinois With heavy hearts and deep love, we announce the passing of Joyce Howell, of Murphysboro, Illinois, who entered into the presence of her Lord on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 7:23 p.m. Joyce passed peacefully in the comfort of her home, surrounded by the family who loved her beyond measure. Joyce was born on November 18, 1944, in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Harrold Derosett and Mary Lively. She spent her life in the community she cherished and was a proud graduate of Murphysboro High School. She married Dennis Howell in 1963. Together they built a beautiful life and raised two children, Tracy Howell and Angie Howell, creating a family that would become Joyce's greatest joy and proudest accomplishment. She dedicated more than 30 years of faithful service to Roosevelt Square in Murphysboro before retiring. Joyce believed in hard work, kindness, and treating everyone with respect. She never met a stranger. Whether someone needed a helping hand, a listening ear, or simply a smile, Joyce was always there. Her gentle spirit, generous heart, and genuine compassion touched countless lives, and anyone fortunate enough to know her was made better because of it. Joyce found happiness in life's simple blessings. She loved watching hummingbirds dance outside her window, spending time working in her yard, caring for her beloved dog Bella, and most of all, being surrounded by her family. She treasured every moment spent with her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. Above all, Joyce was a devoted Christian whose faith in Jesus guided her throughout her life. She lived with grace, humility, forgiveness, and unconditional love, leaving behind an example of kindness that will continue to inspire all who knew her. She is survived by her loving children, Tracy Howell and Angie Howell; her grandchildren, Darren Popejoy, Amber Popejoy, Hailey Morrison, Stormi Halfrich, T.K. Howell, and Denim Howell; and her cherished great-grandchildren, Sienna Popejoy, Sadie Popejoy, Macie Cunningham, Rylee Eliasen, Mason Van Horn, McKenna Brown, Paisley Morrison, Payton Morrison, Piper Morrison, and Grayson Halfrich. She is also survived by her sister, Paula Shemonia. Joyce was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dennis Howell; her parents, Harrold Derosett and Mary Lively; and her brothers, Darrel Derosett, Rocky Miller, David Derosett, and Mike Griffin. To know Joyce was to love her. Her warmth, laughter, and unwavering love for others left a mark that can never be erased. Though our hearts are broken by her absence, we find comfort in knowing she is reunited with those who went before her and is now at peace in the loving arms of her Savior. Her legacy will live on in every act of kindness, every family gathering, every hummingbird that visits, and in the hearts of those who will forever carry her love with them. She was deeply loved, and she will be deeply missed. Funeral Services will be held on Thursday, September 3, 2026 at 1:00 PM with Pastor Frank Cano officiating at Crain Pleasant Grove – Murdale Funeral Home. Visitation will be held prior to the service from 12:00 PM until 1:00 PM at the funeral home. Interment will follow the service at Murdale Gardens of Memory in Murphysboro. Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

Joyce Howell

November 18, 1944 - August 30, 2026