Frances Knox Shelton Howell passed away at her home in Galveston, Texas on Friday, June 14, 2024, surrounded by family. She was 75 years old.

A 6th generation Galvestonian she was known as Sissy to friends as loved ones. On August 15, 1948, she blessed Kenneth Rex Shelton, Sr. and Frances Moore Shelton with her arrival. She is a graduate of the 1966 class of Galveston Ball High School. In 1969, Sissy had the privilege of being presented as a Galveston Artillery Club Debutante. She attended Finch College in New York City, New York and transferred to the University of Denver where she completed a bachelor's degree in education.

Sissy dedicated her life to children, not just her own, but to all that she interacted with as a volunteer, teacher, stand-in mother, and in other personal endeavors. She enjoyed 30 years as a teacher at Trinity Episcopal School and was a lifelong member of Trinity Episcopal Church. Trinity Episcopal School and the friendships forged there remained dear to Sissy's heart throughout her life.

As a leader that believed kindness to be an action word, Sissy enjoyed volunteer work with the Junior League of Galveston and other organizations. Additionally, she was a Den Mother for Cub Scouts, Pack 104. Sissy's dedication to her children and their interests was unceasing. That dedication increased with her grandchildren whom she adored. The grandkids became the center of her universe. Sissy insisted that her children and grandchildren know, repeat, and embrace her regularly heard mantra of "Count Your Blessings".

Sissy was preceded in her passing by parents Kenneth Rex Shelton Sr., and Frances Moore Shelton; by in-laws Marcus and Mildred Howell, Earl and Avis Spencer; by husbands Donald Edward Howell Sr. and William Murray Spencer; by sisters in law Julie Towler Shelton and Camilla Aubry Shelton; by brother-in-law Robert Howell; by dear extended family Isabelle Singleton, Vera Robinson, Andrew Bess, Louise Buckner, and Bessie Seals.

Sissy is survived by her children Donald Edward Howell Jr. and wife Julie Harman Howell of League City, Texas; daughter Frances Howell Buergler and husband David Mainard Buergler, their children Frances Isabelle Buergler, Lily Grace Buergler, and Grant Augustus Buergler of Galveston, Texas; son Jonathan Casey Howell and wife Amber Stooksberry Howell, their child Ruby Jean Howell of Galveston, Texas; brothers Kenneth Rex Shelton Jr. of Galveston, Texas, Arthur Holt Shelton and wife Mimi Hastings Shelton of Austin, Texas, and Andrew Malcolm Shelton of Galveston, Texas; by "extended sisters" Carol Martorell and Kathleen Sukiennik; by nieces Ashley Reeves-Gregory, Catherine Shelton Pickavance, Madeline Shelton Hawley, Mallory Shelton and Lauren Desormeaux; by nephews Jeff Schulz, Jerry Howell, John Howell, Vincent Spencer, Cody Spencer, Matthew Howell, Charles Shelton, Patrick Shelton, William Shelton, Hunter Shelton, Thomas Shelton, and Ian Smith; by "extended children" Catherine St. John Buergler, John Bailey, Robert Leonard, Keith Huang, Demas Caravagelli, Dominic Etienne, Jason Steward, William Short, and Zak Volz.

Our family wishes to extend our love and thanks to our mother's tireless, devoted, and loving caregivers Vanessa Worthen, Maria Mendoza, Brenda Matthews, Milagro Chavez, and Nivia Arevalo. Additionally, our family wishes to thank the physicians, and especially the nurses, at Jennie Sealy Hospital at the University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston as well as A Serene Healthcare Services.

We would like to extend our love and our special appreciation to Dr. Elizabeth Jaramillo, Terry Radicioni, Dr. Nancy Hughes and family, and our dear friend Dr. Todd Masel.

Memorials may be made to Trinity Episcopal School and Trinity Episcopal Church.

A Visitation will be held Friday, June 21, 2024, from 5pm to 7pm at Carnes Brothers Funeral Home 1201 23rd Street, Galveston, Texas 77550.

The Celebration of Life Service will take place 11 am Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Trinity Episcopal Church 2216 Avenue H, Galveston, Texas 77550. (22nd and Winnie)