Donna Jean Howell, 80, died Thursday at Johnston Memorial Hospital. She was a retired employee of the Wake County Department of Social Services with 32 years of service. Mrs. Howell enjoyed reading and was an avid baseball fan. She was a loving mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed telling stories about growing up with her older brothers. She also loved her cats.

Surviving are her daughters, Susan Bailey of Garner and Kathi Doby and husband Alvin of Raleigh; grandchildren, Mark Bailey and wife Kelly, Donna Stephens and husband Jody and Allison Doby; great-grandchildren, Nolan Bailey, Kallie Bailey, Brooke Stephens and Brittany Stephens.

Funeral services will be held 2 pm Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Montlawn Funeral Home Chapel. Interment will follow at Montlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 1-2 pm Sunday, August 17, 2014 at Montlawn Funeral Home prior to the service.

Memorials may be made to SPCA of Wake County, 200 Petfinder Lane, Raleigh, NC 27603. Arrangements are by Montlawn Funeral Home, 2911 S. Wilmington St., Raleigh, N.C. Condolences may be made shared with the family through this online guestbook.