UNION — Mrs. Edith Kirby Howell, 98, wife of William T. Howell Sr., 205 Spruce St., Union, passed away, Tuesday, Oct. 15, 2012 in Tuomey Healthcare Center in Sumter after a long illness.

Mrs. Howell was born in Jonesville, Dec. 27, 1913, a daughter of the late Josh and Pearl Fowler Kirby. She was a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Union.

Surviving in addition to her husband are two sons, William T. “Tommy” Howell Jr., and wife Sandra Yount Howell and Richard S. “Steve” Howell and wife Tammi K. Howell all of Sumter; a sister, Dorcas K. Waldrop of Spartanburg; five grandchildren, Trey Howell, Stephanie Barrineau, Grayson Howell, Marcus Howell and Mallissia White; and 13 great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Howell was predeceased by two brothers. J.C. Kirby and Bill Kirby.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012 at Tabernacle Baptist Church conducted by Rev. Robert Chapman. Burial will be in Union Memorial Gardens.

Active pallbearers will be William T. “Trey” Howell III, Grayson Howell, Marcus Howell, David White, Jim Barrineau, Geddings Barrineau, Larry Farr and Kenneth Williams.

The following are asked to assemble at the church at 1:45 p.m. Thursday to form the honorary escort: Al Smith, Marion Fant, Lynn Eaves, Tom Coffer, Wayne Lawson, Tommy McManus, Don Shetley, Sam White, William Smith, Wilbur Smith III, Gene Gregory, Danny Waldrop and Scotty Terry.

Visitation will be held from 7 p.m. until 9 p.m. Wednesday evening at the S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home.

Memorial may be made to Tabernacle Baptist Church, Building Fund, 915 S. Pinckney St., Union, SC 29379.

The S.R. Holcombe Funeral Home, Inc.

(www.holcombefuneralhomes.com)