Howell, Estelle Branscome

Estelle Branscome Howell, of Richmond, passed from this life on August 1, 2013, one month short of celebrating 95 active, remarkable years. She had celebrated 65 years of marriage to James Liberty Howell Sr. before he passed on October 8, 2009. Estelle, oldest of 12, was born August 31, 1918, to Willie Emmit Branscome and Clara Moles Branscome at the family farm at Dugspur, Va., in Carroll County.

Her grandparents were Asbury and Nancy McPeak Moles; also George and Rose O’Neal Branscome of Carroll County. Estelle was a descendant of Isaac Branscome, the pioneer to Western, Va. and Richard Branscome of Brunswick/Greensville County, the immigrant from Devon. Estelle attended private school at Buffalo Mt. Presbyterian Church, graduated Willis High School in Floyd County, where she met James. They lived briefly at Baltimore, returned to Willis and moved to Culpeper in 1950 for James’ work with VPI Extension Service. They moved to Minna Drive, Henrico County, in September 1967. After James’ death Estelle made her home at St. Mary’s Woods for 3 and a half years. In February she moved to Our Lady of Hope. She is survived by daughters, Linda Hamlin (Kevin) and Dianne Baker (John); son, James Jr. (Elizabeth). She loved being a grandmother and a great-grandmother. Her grandchildren are Jack Baker (Tammy), Michael Baker, Melissa Nice (Spencer), Meredith Powers, Ryan Hamlin (Elizabeth), Marlowe Gill, Kimberly Howell and Kathen Hall. There are 11 great-grandchildren. Estelle is also survived by sisters, Betty Branscome and Dot Adkins; brother, Willie Cadell Branscome. Eight brothers and sisters have preceded her in death. She will be remembered as one who loved God, her family, her country, and nature, especially flowers and gardening. She was a dedicated worker until age 75. She was bookkeeper at home when her children were young; later she worked in retail and last as tailor/seamstress. She especially loved working for the Jacobs family at Jacobs & Levy and the Boykins’ family at Westhampton Alterations. She was especially grateful to Dr. Michael Blumberg, Dr. Warren Koontz and Dr. Robert Sperry, for adding to her longevity and quality of life. The family will receive friends 7 to 8:30 p.m. Saturday, August 3, 2013 at Bennett’s Funeral Home, 11020 West Broad St. Services are 2:30 p.m. Sunday, August 4, 2013 at Three Chopt Presbyterian Church. Graveside services will be Wednesday afternoon, August 7, 2013, at the family cemetery in Carroll County.