Mae "Ruth" Howell

Mae Ruth Howell, 93, of Albemarle, North Carolina, passed away peacefully at her home on Sunday morning, February 8, 2026, surrounded by her family.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 PM on Saturday, February 14, 2026, at Cottonville AME Zion Church. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:30 PM until 1:00 PM prior to the service at the church.

Ms. Howell was born on November 25, 1932, in Stanly County to the late Charlie and Lucy Crump Howell. She attended Lakeview Elementary School and graduated from Norwood High School in 1951. Following high school, she attended Wood Morgan Beauty School, where she earned her degree in cosmetology. In addition to her work as a hairdresser, she worked in several small businesses throughout Stanly County, including Bert Cleaners, Almo Cleaners, Five Points Cleaners, American Efird Mill, and Wiscassett Mills.

Mae Ruth had a deep love for plants and flowers and enjoyed caring for them when her health allowed. She loved music and could play the piano by reading notes, often saying with a smile, “Every piano needed to be tuned up.” She was known for her thoughtful and loving spirit. As her daughter shared, “My mother loved me unconditionally, and her grandson Rod she loved wholeheartedly.” She held a deep love for her family, treating cousins as brothers and sisters, and extended that same warmth to neighborhood children, often making cupcakes for those who came to visit her before her health declined.

Above all, Mae Ruth loved the Lord with all her heart and soul and spoke firmly and faithfully about her Savior throughout her life.

She is survived by her daughter, Patsy Florecia Howell, and her grandson, Roddrick Howell, both of the home.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her brother, Clarence A. Howell.

Her home was a place of love, music, laughter, and care for everyone who entered. Though she will be deeply missed, her family is grateful for the many years of love and lessons she gave so freely.

“Let not your heart be troubled… in my Father’s house are many mansions.” — John 14:1–

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