Gaynell Hudson Howell

Bessie Gaynell Hudson Howell, age 91, of Greensboro, passed from this life on December 5, 2025, surrounded by her adoring family. Born on November 7, 1934, in Hanes, NC, she was the daughter of Charles Franklin Hudson and Bessie Bullin Hudson.

Having said goodbye to this world, she immediately greeted the next one—eternal and full of the promise she had lived for over 75 years. She met Jesus and fell in love with Him at a Quaker Friends Meeting, and on December 5th, she was finally welcomed by Him, face to face into the home He had prepared for her so long ago.

Gaynell lived a life faithfully devoted to God, her family, and the many people she loved. After the unexpected passing of her husband, A. Frank Howell, in 1978, she lovingly raised their two children to adulthood. She worked full-time as part owner of Central Triad Insurance Agency until she was 82 years old. She also served as her local church clerk for 47 years, relinquishing her responsibilities only at age 89 as her health began to decline.

In her years, God allowed her to raise a son and daughter who both carry her faith in Christ. She witnessed her five grandchildren grow up, each serving the Lord, and celebrated the births of six great-grandchildren—most of whom have already dedicated their lives to Christ. She left this world with no fear of death, but with great anticipation for Heaven.

Gaynell is preceded in death by her husband, A. Frank Howell;  her son, Robert Charles Howell; her daughter, Susan Melodie Howell; her parents, Charles Franklin Hudson and Bessie Bullin Hudson; her brother, Charles Hudson; and niece, Debbie Mullis. She is survived by her daughter, Sonja H. White, and husband, Bishop Mike White, of Gastonia; and her son, Brian Keith Howell, and wife, Katie, of Greensboro; her five grandchildren, Bishop Justin White and wife, Lauren; Ryan White and wife, Paris; Katelyn Howell; Moriah Pender and  husband, Bishop JV; and Noah Howell;  six great-grandchildren, Ayden White, Ashton White, Macy White, Aaron White, Liam White, and Easton Pender; her sisters, Dorothy Pegram and Geneva Dollinger; nieces Pam Brown and husband Mark; Teresa Alexander and husband Mark; Ronda Hunt and husband Dale; nephew Kevin Dollinger and wife, Becky;  great nephews, Parker Brown, Christopher, Brandon and Greg Mullis; great nieces Amanda Hylton, Rachel Babb, Ella Brown, and Emily Alexander; sister in law, Rena Woodard.

Gaynell’s Celebration of Life will be held at Living Hope Worship Center, 1907 Merritt Dr., Greensboro, NC, on Saturday, December 13th at 1:00 p.m. Visitation with the family will begin at 11:00 a.m. Interment will immediately follow the service at Guilford Memorial Park.  Officiants will be Bishops Ted Burke, Mike White, Justin White, and her son, Brian Howell.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial gifts be made to Living Hope Worship Center or The Beacon Place of Greensboro.

“But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him.” —Hebrews 11:6

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