Mrs. Avanelle Howard, widow of Cecil Howard, passed away on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. Born in Pickens, SC, she was the daughter of the late Herman and Carrie Dodson Gilstrap. In addition to her husband and parents, she was preceded in death by one brother, Lynon Gilstrap and four sisters, Allowee Merck, Clesile Branniger, Hazel Merck and Hermie Mullikan. She is survived by her daughter Jo Ann Vickery (Pat); granddaughter Joanna Herath (John); brother Gerald Gilstrap (Phyllis); and several nieces and nephews. Avanelle loved her family and her church. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Anderson for over sixty years and was a member of the Dorcas Sunday School Class. Avanelle worked at Canon Memorial Hospital for many years before joining the Singer Company where she retired. She enjoyed playing bridge and was a charter member of the Anderson Women's Club. The funeral service will be held Friday, April 7, 2023 at 11:00 am at Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum Chapel with Dr. Josh Hunt officiating. The family will receive friends following the service. In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests memorials be made to First Baptist Church of Anderson, 307 S. Manning St., Anderson, SC 29624. Events Graveside service Friday, April 7, 2023 11:00AM Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum 2609 US-29 Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-225-1636 Visitation Friday, April 7, 2023 11:30AM Forest Lawn Memorial Park Mausoleum 2609 US-29 Anderson, SC 29621 Phone: 864-225-1636 Final Resting Place Forest Lawn Memorial Park Remembrance II Mausoleum Chapel 2609 US-29 Anderson, SC 29621