Francine Ethel Howell, 66, of Piggott, Arkansas, passed away May 16, 2018, in Piggott, Arkansas. She was born on February 15, 1952, in Jackson, Tennessee, and was the daughter of the late Reginald and Georgia Bearden Hogard. She was united in marriage to Jimmy Howell on July 7, 1984, and he preceded her in death on October 30, 2011. She was also preceded in death by her parents and her stepdaughter, Carla Blackwell. She is survived by her daughter, Marissa Howell of Piggott, Arkansas; special friend, Gary Mann of Piggott, Arkansas; two grandchildren: Summer Stoudt and husband Dave of La Plata, Maryland, and Steward Blackwell of St. Louis, Missouri; and many other relatives and friends. Francine was a 1970 graduate of Piggott High School and was a school teacher for the Piggott School District for many years. She continued to volunteer after retirement at the Piggott Elementary School helping her daughter, Marissa, in her classroom. She attended New Hope Baptist Church in Pollard, Arkansas. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 1:00 p.m. in the Hoggard & Sons Chapel with Matthew Collier officiating and Loy Culver assisting. Burial is in Piggott Cemetery in Piggott, Arkansas. Pallbearers are Mark Howell, Alan Howell, Noah May, Daniel Burr, Ronnie Dunlap, and Jason Howell. Hoggard & Sons Funeral Home of Piggott, Arkansas, is in charge of the arrangements. Visitation will begin Saturday at 11:00 a.m. until service time.