Joanne Howlett

Joanne Howlett passed away on Monday, July 5th, 2021 at home in Louisville, KY at the age of 87. She was born Margaret Joanne Luton on April 16, 1934 to Morgan Hunter Luton and Gracie O'Guin Luton in Miami, FL, and was the maternalistic big sister of Morgan "Buddy" Luton. She and Buddy, along with his wife, Brenda, remained close friends throughout their lives.

Joanne moved to Kentucky at the age of 13 after the passing of her mother to live with her Aunt Constance "Connie" and Uncle Robert "Bob" Beauchamp, who loved and supported her through her adulthood. For the rest of her days, she called Kentucky home. She was married in January 1950 and raised 6 children in her chosen faith of the Catholic Church. At the age of 40, with no job experience and a 10th-grade education, she struck out to create a new life for herself and her children by pursuing a career in retail. Her strong work ethic and steadfast reliability allowed her to become a valued employee and top earner until she retired from Target in 1995.

She had not just one green thumb, but two. And likely all ten fingers and toes as well. She could grow anything anywhere, including orange trees, African violets, gardenias, orchids, and tomatoes in January. Even as her memory faded, her mind was always sharp when it came to plants. She could run a tiller, and mowed her grass well into her 80s.

She loved to feed people. The more the better. Nothing made her happier than a house full of family eating her cooking. She loved her family, her country, the Democratic party, and instilled in her children the importance of voting. In retirement, she found joy and purpose in working the polls as an election officer. But mostly, she loved to help people.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her Aunt Connie and Uncle Bob, and her brother, Buddy. She is survived by her children Kathleen (James) Mills, Debi (Harv) Woodville, Bobby (Joyce) Howlett, Gracie Howlett, Mary (Todd) Hall, and Becky (Tim) Holloman, her 12 grandchildren James, Jason, Rachel, Dru, Breana, David, John, Connie, Kayla, Shannon, Jeremy, and Kerick, lots of great-grandchildren and countless friends.

Special thanks to her hospice team, Becky Arnold, RN, Cheri Lang, SW, and Shannon Queenan, CHP for their compassionate support and guidance through this important but difficult time. Also, thanks to the staff at Creekside on Bardstown for loving and supporting her through the time when we could not be there.

A funeral mass will take place at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 5431 Johnsontown Road, on Friday, July 9th, at 10:00am, followed by chapel service at Louisville Memorial Gardens and Funeral Home in Shively at 11:30am. No black clothing, please. Mom's favorite color was blue, but any cheerful color would make her happy.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that donations be given anonymously to a charity of your choice. In addition, we ask that you practice random acts of kindness whenever possible. Tell 'em Joanne sent ya.