A funeral service for Wanda Jean Bays Howell, 87, of Jefferson will be held at 10:00a.m., Friday, August 18, 2017 in the Chapel of Downs Funeral Home with D.W. McLendon officiating. Services will end at the funeral home and burial will be private. Visitation with family and friends will take place Thursday, August 17, 2017 from 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. at Downs Funeral Home. Ms. Howell passed away Tuesday, August 15, 2017 in Tyler.

Wanda Jean Bays Howell was born August 11, 1930 in Percilla, Texas to Jack and Izola Daniels Bays. In 1951, Wanda married Bobby G. Howell. Together Wanda and Bobby raised three children, Pamela Frances, Jack Herbert, and Robert Leland. She enjoyed the outdoors, dancing, and spending time with friends and family. Wanda loved life and lived it to her fullest. She was a loving and supportive wife, mother, grandmother, sister and friend. She worked for many years at local banks where she was known for friendly customer service. Wanda will be missed sorely by her family and those who knew her.

Wanda was preceded in death by her parents, Jack and Izola Bays; husband, Bobby Howell; her three children, Pamela, Jack, and Robert; her son-in-law, Randall Corley; four siblings and their spouses, and one niece.