Loretta Howell

Burlington Loretta Groce Howell, 66, went home to be with the Lord Wednesday, January 20, 2010 at her home following several months of failing health. She was the wife of 50 years to Wayne Maynard Howell and was born June 14, 1943 in Yadkin County to the late Clyde E. and Juanita Frances Milsap Groce. Mrs. Howell was employed at Annedeen Hosiery and attended Today's Church of Hope. She was a devoted homemaker and a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt. Survivors include her husband, Wayne Maynard Howell of the home; sons, Johnny Howell and soul mate Donna Gates of Burlington, Mike Howell of Haw River; a daughter, Sharon H. Murdock and husband Tony of Burlington; grandchildren, Nicki, Darci, Samantha, and Daniel; step grandchildren, Heather and Jeremy; a sister, Rachel Carroll and husband Oscar "Dick"; and many loving nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her beloved twin sister, Loreane Madren and sister Nancy Flynn; and brothers, Nelson Groce, Calvin Groce and Roy Groce. The funeral service will be held 2:00 PM Sunday at the Lowe Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Alamance Memorial Park. The family will receive friends 6-8 PM Saturday at Lowe Funeral Home and Crematory and at other times at the daughter's home at 705 Plaza Dr. in Burlington. The family would like to express their appreciation to the Hospice nurses and staff for their service and commitment during the past few months. Memorials may be made to Hospice and Palliative Care of Alamance-Caswell, 914 Chapel Hill Road, Burlington, NC 27215