Bonita Louise Howell 1944-2026

Bonita Louise Howell, 81, of Mineola, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2026. She was born on May 17, 1944, in Denton to Jimmie and Tom Robinson. Bonita spent her early years in Denton before moving to College Station, where she graduated from A&M Consolidated High School in 1962. She later attended North Texas State University, graduating in 1966. Years later, she proudly served as president of the alumni association.

During her time at North Texas, Bonita met the love of her life, Gayland Howell. After a short courtship, they married on January 26, 1963, and shared 53 wonderful years together until his passing in 2016. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and love – raising two children, enjoying six grandchildren and sharing countless adventures close to home and abroad.

In Denton, Bonita raised her family and worked at the TWU Child Development Center. She later started her own business, Sunset Needleworks, where she shared her creativity and love for needlepoint with others. Her memory will live on through the beautiful pieces she made – treasured by her children and grandchildren. In Sanger, where they lived for 25 years, she embraced life as a farmer’s wife, caring for their home, their land and their family with strength and quiet dedication.

After their retirement, she and Gayland settled in East Texas in 2006, where they found deep joy and community in Mineola. They became involved right away and found great happiness in their retirement years surrounded by new friendships and a strong sense of purpose.

A faithful member of St. Dunstan’s Episcopal Church, Bonita served as a greeter, junior warden on vestry, and on the altar guild. She was also a member of the Episcopal Church Women, where she volunteered in community outreach efforts supporting local food banks and serving others in the spirit of the Good Samaritan. She was also a member of PEO Chapter CU, the Mineola Study Club and the East Texas Embroidery Guild of America.

Bonita is survived by her son, Jeff Howell and wife Kim, and their children Bret, Brady, and Brenna; and her daughter, Michele Slauer and her children Jake, Josh and Zach. Her children and grandchildren will deeply miss her and cherish the many wonderful memories they shared.

She is also survived by her sister, Sally Horn and husband Vic; their children, Sheri Horn; and John Horn and his wife, Stacy. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Gayland, her son-in-law, Chris Slauer, and her parents, Jimmie and Tom Robinson.

A service to celebrate her life will be held on April 10, 2026 at 1 p.m. at St. Dunstan Episcopal Church, 800 N. Johnson Street, Mineola, TX 75773.

In lieu of flowers, the family has suggested the memorial be made to The Church of St. Dunstan, P.O. Box 81, Mineola, TX 75773.