Longtime Southampton resident Eleanor Mott Howell, of Roanoke, Virginia, and formerly of Houston, Texas, died on March 4 at her home in Roanoke. Affectionately known as “Aunt Ellie” to her nieces and nephews and “Gran Jelly” to her grandchildren, she was 91.
She was born July 6, 1917, to Katharine and Harry Mott. A graduate of San Jacinto High School in Houston and the San Francisco School of Art in California, she was an accomplished artist.
She moved from Houston to Bridgehampton, where she lived with her second husband, T.O. “Cy” Worth, for 20 years. Later, she lived on Hill Street in Southampton with her third husband, William Howell.
When Mr. Howell died, she moved to Coopers Farm Road and later developed Alzheimer’s. Breeze Squires of Southampton became her longtime caregiver and friend. Eventually Mrs. Howell moved in with her niece, Kristen Way in Roanoke, where extended family cared for her up until her death.
A member of the Meadow Club and the Bathing Corporation in Southampton, she loved learning and playing croquet, and proudly displayed a trophy she won, family recalled. She also loved to garden, play golf, and dance, and she especially enjoyed a good party.
Survivors remember her as devoted wife, stepmother and fun loving aunt, with a keen sense of humor, quick wit and a zest for living life to the fullest. They added that she touched many and will be deeply missed by all who knew her, as well as her companion and longtime pet, Tiffany.
She is survived by a stepson, T.O. “Toby” Worth of New York City; two stepdaughters, Winnie Hatch of Bridgehampton and Courtia Worth of Tillson; two nieces, Robin Newkirk Muncaster and Kristin Way; two nephews, David Mott Way and Peter Mott Way; and many grandchildren, great-nieces and great-nephews, including Mary Etta and David A. Way.
She was predeceased by her three husbands, Lloyd McGee, T.O. “Cy” Worth and William B. Howell; two sisters, Katharine Mott Way and Frances Mott Newkirk; and a niece, Susan Newkirk Hunter.
Visitation was held on March 7 at South Chapel of Oakey’s Funeral Service & Crematory in Roanoke. A memorial celebration will be held on Saturday, March 14 in Houston.
In lieu of flowers, donations to the Roanoke Valley Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, 1340 Baldwin Avenue North East, Roanoke, VA 24012 would be appreciated by the family.
on Mar 11, 2009