Nan Howell

            Nan Beth Pennington Adams Howell went to her heavenly home on March 4, 2024.   She was born on November 19, 1932 to Willis and Anna (Johnson) Pennington in Lynn County.  She and her sister, Billie Wayne, spent most of their childhood years in the Draw-Redwine community before moving to Tahoka, TX.   At 15 years old, Nan graduated as Valedictorian from Tahoka High School in 1948.  She entered Texas Tech as a freshman that fall.  She maintained close relationships throughout her high school and college years, getting to experience several reunions and trips with her friends.  

            Nan married Ray Adams in 1950.  They made their home in Tahoka and had two children, Jim and Jo Anna.  They were active members in the First Baptist Church of Tahoka where both taught Sunday School classes.  Nan served as the church pianist for 23 years.

            Nan was a teacher in the Tahoka School District for 27 years and held offices with several teaching and educational organizations.   She loved teaching and her students, pouring her heart into educating those in her care.  She was blessed to be able to stay in touch with many of her students throughout the years.  

            Nan and Ray farmed as well as raised Angus cattle.   They were active members in various cattle organizations.  Ray served as President of the Texas Angus Association while Nan served as President of the Ladies Auxiliary.  Later, they both went on to serve as Presidents of the national organizations.   These experiences were rewarding and had lasting benefits and friendships for both of them.  

            After Ray’s untimely death from cancer in 1985, Nan remained in Tahoka for 10 years.  She found love again and married Duane Howell in 1996.  They had gone to the same church together in their youth.    Duane asked Nan out on her first date in high school.  It had been his first date as well.  After getting married, Duane and Nan moved to Lubbock, TX where they served as active members of the First Baptist Church.  She and Duane spent many years together, traveling as well as enjoying time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.  

            Nan, or “Nana” as she became known as, left behind a legacy of love, faith, and kindness.  She was preceded in death by her parents, Anna and Willis Pennington, her husband, Ray Adams, her children, Jim Adams and Jo Anna Adams Thomas, her stepson, James Howell, her sister, Billie Wayne Pennington Parker, and her brother-in-law, O.R. Parker.  

She is survived by her husband, Duane Howell, grandson T. J. Thomas (Jennifer), granddaughter, Priscilla Petsch (Adam), and daughter-in-law, Betsy Taylor (Kevin).  In addition to her children, Duane’s daughters and their children became Nan’s as well – Cindy Rice (Ron), and Beth Theriot (Lee), and grandchildren Bryan (Michelle), Brandon (Morgan), and Brad Rice (Melissa), as well as Alyssa Sanders (Zach), and Jarret Theriot.  Nan also leaves behind her cherished great-grandchildren, Braylee, Brayson, and Brantz Thomas, Otto and Ellis Petsch, Alyssa, Jasmine, and Christine Rice, and Zachary and Ava Sanders.  Nan also leaves behind her special nieces and nephew from both the Adams and Parker families.   

            A visitation will be held from 4-7pm at Combest Funeral Home in Lubbock, TX on Thursday, March 7, 2024.  Her burial will take place at Tahoka Cemetery in Tahoka, TX at 11am on Friday, March 8, 2024.  A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Tahoka, TX at 1pm on Friday, March 8, 2024.  The service will be officiated by pastor, Bobby Dagnel of the First Baptist Church of Lubbock, TX.

            The family requests that memorial contributions be made to the First Baptist Church in Tahoka, TX.