Wilma Ruth Howell, born Jan. 9, 1933, in White County, and passed away peacefully, on April 6, 2025, at the Health Center at Richland, in Nashville.
She leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and dedication to education that touched countless lives.
Wilma graduated from Cookeville Central High School, in 1952. Wilma's goal was to go to college and pursue a teaching degree. She moved to Nashville and lived at the Central Church of Christ girls' dormitory. She began working at Washington Manufacturing Company during the day and at night attended college.
Wilma was very pretty and exceptionally talented both musically and theatrically, which took her to many places and began her journey on a path she never dreamed would give her the desires of her heart. Wilma was Rodeo Queen, in Cookeville 1953, and won several other beauty pageants including First Runner Up in Miss Tennessee. Of course Wilma's beauty attracted many suitors, but the one that swept her off her feet was Dr. John M. Boylin. They married in 1953 and had a daughter, Linda Ruth.
Wilma returned to her education and her goal of being a primary school teacher. She attended Peabody College and Belmont University, where she earned both her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in primary education. After graduation, she embarked on a fulfilling journey as an elementary school teacher in the Nashville Public Schools. Wilma pursued her passion by teaching first grade and later fifth grade at Westmeade, Sylvan Park, and McCann elementary schools, where her commitment to her students and her craft inspired many young minds.
An individual of remarkable intelligence and a fantastic storyteller, Wilma was known for her great sense of humor and was well-loved by those who had the privilege of knowing her. She also pursued her interests in writing, authoring children's books that sparked imagination and creativity in the hearts of her young readers including the book "Just For Us" published in 1967. Beyond her professional accomplishments, Wilma played an instrumental role in the preservation of Burgess Falls, helping it to become a state park-a testament to her love for nature and community.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Luther Ray Howell and Ova Bussell Howell; her sisters, Jessie Lee Howell, infant Vera Marie Howell, Nellie Fern Howell; and her brothers, Ray Thomas Howell, William Howell, and Kenneth Howell.
Wilma is survived by her devoted daughter, Linda Callaway; her beloved sister, Laverne Fuqua; as well as her cherished grandchildren: Ashton Puffer and wife Dr. Sheri Puffer, Shannon Puffer, and Whitney Small and husband Chris Small. She was also a proud great-grandmother to Ruby, Hailey, Katie, Jacob, Ben, and Evelyn, each of whom brought immense joy to her life.
A funeral service to honor Wilma was 11 a.m., April 24, 2025, at Cookeville Chape of Hooper-Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home, in Cookeville, with burial in Rice Cemetery. Bro. Dan Harrell officiated.
Pallbearers include Ashton Puffer, grandson (Arlington, Texas),
Honorary pallbearers were Jerry Howell, nephew (Athens, TN); Jim Clay, cousin (Nashville, TN); John Howell, nephew (Bailey, CO); Barry Sparkman, cousin (Midland, TX); Larry Craighead, cousin (Prosper, TX).
A special heartfelt thank you to all the nurses and caretakers at Richland Place, in Nashville, TN especially her nurses Jan Norby and Jennifer Walker.
Wilma Ruth Howell will be remembered for her profound contributions to her community, her family, and the education sector, as well as for the warmth and joy she brought into the lives of those fortunate enough to know her. She leaves a heartfelt imprint that will resonate for generations to come.
Cookeville Chapel of Hooper Huddleston and Horner Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
