Betty Jean Monsour Howell

Betty Jean Monsour Howell was a lifelong resident of Shreveport. She graduated from Fair Park High School in 1955. Until its closure, Betty was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church and School, especially the La Serenity Guild. In 2001, she was recognized for having the most family members attend the school. Once her kids were older, she embarked on a career at Tom’s Peanuts (now Wilmore Snack Sales), where she worked for 40 years. After retirement, Betty volunteered at St. Mary’s of the Pines Catholic Church.

For 56 years, Betty was married to James Howell, Sr., her high school sweetheart. They built a beautiful life around their five children, their children’s spouses, 15 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Betty ensured their large family stayed close by hosting homemade Sunday dinners each week and elaborate celebrations nearly every holiday.

Betty is survived by her brothers, Joe Monsour (Pat ) and Glen Monsour (Becky); children, James Howell, Jr. (Lisa), Debbie Hobbs (David), Tommy Howell (Gail), Murray Howell (Ginger), and Davy Howell (Gini); grandchildren, Steven Scales, Lindsay Smith (Jeff), Lauren Hill, Amy Scales (Monty Aghazadeh), Greg Howell, Wes Howell (Taylor), Adam Howell, Caroline Landry (Taylor), Kristina Kauth (CJ), Johnathan Howell (Morgan), Erin Heacock (Curtis), Ben Howell, Lily Howell, and Kate Howell; and great-grandchildren, Bella Hill, Suri Aghazadeh, Blythe Hill, Dari Aghazadeh, Rami Aghazadeh, Abigail Kauth, Michael Heacock, Oliver Kauth, James Howell, Julia Landry, and Charlotte Heacock. She is also survived by numerous nieces and nephews, extended Lebanese family members, and lifelong friends. She was preceded in death by her parents, Monsour Murray and Rose Monsour; husband, James Howell, Sr.; and grandson, James Coleman “Cole” Howell.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at Rose-Neath Funeral Home, 2500 Southside Dr., Shreveport, Louisiana. A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. until time of service. Burial will be held at Forest Park West Cemetery.

Pallbearers will be Betty’s grandsons Steven Scales, Greg Howell, Wes Howell, Adam Howell, Johnathan Howell, and Ben Howell, with Cole Howell serving as an honorary pallbearer.

Betty’s family would like to thank Virginia Howard and her team of nurturing sitters for the warm care and support they provided over the last year.