Mrs. Virene Gilchrist Howell departed this earthly home for her heavenly home on Saturday, November 1, 2025.

Her siblings and friends knew her as Virene, her grandchildren knew her as Nana, and her boys knew her as Mumma, the matriarch of the Howell family. On Saturday, November 1st, Virene Howell passed quietly and peacefully into eternal rest, leaving behind a family that will forever treasure and honor her memory.

Virene Marie Gilchrist was born on August 25, 1937, to Maesell and Cora Mae Gilchrist in Surry County, where she was raised on a farm as the third of five children. With a bashful grin and shy demeanor, Virene was a generous and supportive daughter and sister who developed life skills that made her industrious and resilient. She grew up in a tight-knit family that celebrated milestones and enjoyed spending time together. In high school, Paul Howell caught her attention and became her boyfriend, husband, and the father of their four sons. While Pop provided the guidance and stern discipline, Mumma was known for being the jokester of the household, who kept her boys in check with humor and a deep pinch to the thigh when necessary.

An exceptional cook and homemaker, Mumma was the wise, fearless, guiding force of the family who could make a way out of no way. When an ice storm caused power outages one Christmas, Mumma cooked an entire turkey meal in the dark on the wood-fired stove in the living room. She was the family cheerleader who always came to the rescue. Mumma provided a loving atmosphere at 81 Alliance Road that served as a transitional home for her son’s wives, the gathering spot for countless family events, and the place where the grandchildren could always find treats and have fun. Virene’s caregiving spirit led her to become a certified nursing assistant, graduating at the top of her class in 1988, and working for Commonwealth Healthcare in Prince George County. For over 10 years, she provided exceptional care to nursing home patients and as a private duty nurse to families in the area.

Virene accepted the Lord at a very early age and enjoyed praising his name at St. Paul Holiness Church as a long-serving member of the First Senior Choir. When declining health hampered her ability to physically attend church, Deaconess Howell clapped her hands and sang along while listening to services online. She never complained, never lost her humor, and never lost her faith.

Virene’s boys, Everett ‘Rick’(Angela), Paul Jr. (Tracey), Cory (Alicia), and Julian ‘Ron’(Lakisha) will carry her love and lessons with them along with her 10 grandchildren; Erica, Jasmine (Gonzalo), Cory Jr., Eric, Ronique, Amaya, Tamia, Kharris, Julian, and Kamryn; four great-grandchildren, Arianna, K’oir, Donovan, and Naomi; her sister, Delores Savedge; five sisters-in-law, Alma Blizzard, Jane Gilchrist, Katherine Howell, Gloria Howell-Mason, and Barbara Lyles, and a host of nieces, nephews, and extended family. Special gratitude is extended to the team of caregivers, Lily Thomas, Lillian Newby-Brooks, and Angela Howell, who supported Virene during the last several years. While her absence leaves an ache that cannot be filled, her spirit lives on in the countless lives she touched and the love she gave so freely.

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God” – Ruth 1:16.

Please keep the family in your thoughts and prayers during their time of bereavement.