Karyl Lou King Howell was born March 9, 1931 in Chicago, IL, and she passed from this earthly life in Spring Hill, TN, at the home of her granddaughter, Rachel Sims Manis, on December 29, 2020. She grew up in Memphis, TN. She was a pioneer for professional women when she earned her nurse anesthetist degree. She then met her future husband T. C. Howell in Memphis. There they raised their two children, Steve and Becky, until they made the move back to T. C.'s hometown of Sparta, TN. Her friends and family knew her for her hospitality, generosity, and devotion to her community and church. She leaves behind a legacy that only great women do.

She is preceded in death by her brother James "Jim" King, her husband T.C. Howell, her daughter Becky Sims, and her granddaughter Amanda Sims. She leaves behind her son Steve Howell with wife Christy Howell and grandchildren Reed Howell, Dustin Howell, Rachel Manis, Ryan Sims, Amy Smith, and many great-grandchildren.

A private celebration of life will be held for family at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in her honor to Cumberland Heights Church of Christ in Sparta, TN.