Mary Belle Howard was born on December 29, 1937, and passed away peacefully February 18, 2026, with her family by her side.

She was saved as a young girl at the Head of Richland Baptist Church.

Mary was preceded in death by her parents Earnest and Rudy Whitt, husband John T. Howard, daughter Cenia Marlene Singleton, granddaughter Nicki Howard, sister Beulah Collins, brothers Kenneth and (Helen) Whitt, Robert (Shirley) Whitt, James (Cleo) Whitt, Thurol “Tubby” (Barbara) Whitt and Frank (Mary “Tiss”) Whitt.

Mary is survived by her son John “Hobert” and wife Jackie Howard, granddaughter Misty (Jeremy) Messer, great grandson Luke Messer, grandson Jonathan (Andrea) and great grandchildren Simon and Stella Mae Howard, son in law Bill Singleton, grandson Robby Singleton, granddaughter Kandi Singleton Reece and great grandsons Nathan and Hunter Reece.

Visitation will be from 5:00-7:00 pm at Smith Reagan Funeral Home in Rutledge, Tennessee February 23, 2026, followed by a service at 7:00 pm. Officiating will be the Reverend Randy Morgan and special singing by Andrea Howard. Burial will be at the Bean Station Cemetery on February 24, 2026, at 11:30 am.

A special thanks to all the staff at Ridgeview Terrace Nursing Home in Rutledge, Tennessee and Amedisys Hospice of Morristown, Tennessee for their assistance and care for Mary. Also, a special thanks to great nephew Chris and wife Pickle Collins who were neighbors and helped with Mary preceding her going to the nursing home.

Mary enjoyed reading the Bible, cooking, collecting things and her smile will always be remembered. She was a faithful Christian, wife, mother, grandmother and a friend to many.

Arrangements by Smith-Reagan Funeral Home.