AHOSKIE – Donna Bowen Howell, 56, passed on Wednesday, January 7, 2015 in Richmond, Virginia, while surrounded by family and friends.

She was the daughter of Barbara Riddick Bowen and the late Glenwood Franklin Bowen of Ahoskie, NC.  She is also survived by her daughter, Glenda Nichole Howell of Citrus Heights, CA; her sister, Glenda Bowen Newell (John) of Wilmington, NC;  her nephews, Jake and Ben Newell of Wilmington, NC; and one surviving aunt, Carolyn Riddick Wooton (Ed) of Winston Salem, NC, as well as numerous cousins and other extended family.

Donna is also survived by a very special friend, Bobby Sears of Severn, NC with whom she shared numerous years.

She was a self-employed painter who particularly enjoyed working on old houses.  No challenge was too big for her as could be witnessed by her determination to handle any project that came her way.  She was a jack of all trades.  She prided herself in never being able to be told she couldn’t do something.

Donna loved to fish, ride the four wheeler, cook out, and spend time talking with friends.  She was also known for her love of animals (her adopted stray cat), plants and flowers as could be witnessed by her affectionate care to all.

Donna had courageously battled numerous illnesses during her life but always seemed to unselfishly show more concern for the problems of others.  She was a loving mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend who found great comfort in the giving of her time to ensure that happiness was found by those in her presence.

A memorial service will be held at the Union United Methodist Church on Saturday, January 17, 2015 at 2:00 p.m.  Visitation will be at 1 p.m. prior to the service.