Mary Shirley Howell Rothy, 83, passed away at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Thursday, Dec. 26, 2024. She was born in Selma, Ala. to Dr. Eugene Milton and Mary Alyce Hubbard Howell on Sept. 29, 1941. She was a retired homemaker and pastor's wife, who served several churches throughout her and her husband's ministry. She also taught piano and was a choir director. For around 10 years, she also worked as a Dillard's Sales Associate, where she was known through the store as "Whistlin' Shirley". She loved working with crafts and spending time outside doing yardwork. In service to others, she began a Widows and Widowers Ministry in Winona and also during her stay at Indywood Glen in Greenwood, she would lead services and Sunday School for her fellow residents.
She is survived by her daughters, Debbie Farmer (Danny) of Winona and Kathy Nelson (Drew) of Panama City, Fla.; stepdaughters, Lisa Culp and Rachel Kremer; stepsons, Charles Rothy Jr. and Steven Rothy; sister, Ann Hubbard Howell Martin (Bob) of Marietta, Ga.; sister-in-law, Kay Buchanan Howell of Montgomery, Ala.; five grandchildren, Daniel Farmer (Molly) and Danae' Wade, both of Oxford, and Anna Beth Nelson (Brianna), Bekah Nelson, and Savanna McElheney (Harrison), all of Panama City, Fla.; seven great-grandchildren, Aleck and Andrew Farmer, Addison, Audrey and Evie Wade, and Gracie and Rosie McElheney; and a host of nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Rev. Charles E. "Chuck" Rothy; and brother, Dr. Eugene Milton Howell Jr.
A memorial service was held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, at New Hope Methodist Church in Winona, with burial following in the church cemetery. The Rev. John Ford officiated the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made in her honor to Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo, P. O. Box 2177, Tupelo, MS 38803; or online at www.sanctuaryhospicehouse.com
Oliver Funeral Home of Winona is in charge of arrangements. An online guestbook may be signed at www.ofhwinona.com
