Mrs. Erma Nell Wallace Howard Gatlin, 88, of Bogue Chitto, MS, passed from this life on Saturday, December 17, 2022 at King's Daughters Medical Center in Brookhaven, MS.

Mrs. Nell was born in Bogue Chitto, MS on May 15, 1934 and was the daughter of Marshall Wallace and Bessie Brown Wallace. Known to those who loved her most as "Mama","Mamaw" or "Aunt Nell", Mrs. Gatlin never met a stranger.  Often recognized for her "spirited" attendance at her grandchildren's ballgames, "Mamaw" Nell loved supporting her children and grandchildren in all of their endeavors.  Before her eyesight failed her, Nell enjoyed quilting with her sisters and shared her handiwork with those she loved the most.  Being the mother of six children is not for the faint of heart but Mama handled it like a champ and set an amazing example of unconditional love to her children and grandchildren.  Daily Bible readings were a way of life for her, and she was so passionate about her love for Jesus and her church.  Mama was a prayer warrior, as indicated daily while she prayed diligently for all of her family and friends.

She is preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Loyce Howard; her second husband, Oscar Otto Gatlin; two brothers, Carl Wallace, and Grover Wallace; two sisters, Bonnie Mae Adams, and Agnes Magaline Pettigrew; one son, Michael Anthony Howard, and one grandson, Anthony Todd Howard.

She is survived by her four sons, Lavoid Howard of Summit, MS, Doyle Howard and Lynn, Charlie Howard and Wesley Howard and Dana, all of Bogue Chitto, MS; one daughter, Becky Flowers and David of Brookhaven, MS; one sister, Emma Jean Moak of Summit, MS; thirteen grandchildren, Becca Howard Guynes and Mark, Joshua Campbell, Anthony Howard, Brandon Pendley, Nikki Howard Nunn and Shawn, Marc Howard and Meleah, Cassidy Howard Laughlin, Brittni Howard Carroll and Jamie, Daniel Howard, Kelli Howard Lofton and Will, Drake Flowers, Dawson Flowers, and Dane Flowers; eighteen great-grandchildren: Niles, Knox,  Gracie, Gatlin, Jack, Hayes, Audrey, Malakye, Jaxson, Declyn, Wesley, Alycen, Ethan, Brantley, Dalaneigh, Ava Kate, Aubree Grace, and Addie Rae, and a host of nieces, nephews, and other family and friends.

Pallbearers will be Joshua Campbell, Daniel Howard, Marc Howard, Drake Flowers, Dawson Flowers, and Dane Dylan Flowers. Honorary Pallbearers will be Mark Guynes, Gatlin Guynes, and Brantley Carroll.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to the staff of Trend Health & Rehab for their love and care during her time with them.

A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 from 10AM until time of service at 2PM at Montgomery Baptist Church in Summit, MS with Bro. Millard Moak officiating and Sharkey Funeral Home in charge of arrangements. A burial will follow in the church cemetery.

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