Laura Mae Howell, 76, passed away in Obici Hospital on Thursday, July 22, 2004. She was a native of Nansemond County, a former member of Antioch United Church of Christ and a retired food services worker of Suffolk Public Schools. She is the daughter of the late Emory Chambliss and Arlethia Mason Chambliss and the widow of the late Elbert Howell, Sr.

She is survived by two sons John L. Hardy Jr. and Elbert Howell Jr., both of Suffolk; three daughters Loretta H. Boone (Joseph) of Suffolk, Sylvia H. Williams (Marvin) of Portsmouth and Sandra H. Pritchett (Clyde) of Newport News; one sister Sarah Winborne (Clifton) of Suffolk; six grandchildren and four great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and other relatives and friends.

A funeral will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Antioch United Church of Christ, 900 Hull Ave., Suffolk, with burial in Holly Lawn Cemetery. Viewing will be Monday, April 26 from 12-7 p.m. The family will greet relatives and friends at 2124 Georgia Ave. (Hollywood section)

Professional Services entrusted to T.E. Cooke-Overton Funeral Home.