Mary Shirley Howell Rothy, 83, passed away at Sanctuary Hospice House in Tupelo on Thursday, December 26, 2024. She was born in Selma, AL to Dr. Eugene Milton and Mary Alyce Hubbard Howell on September 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, FL; 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, AL; five grandchildren, Daniel Farmer (Molly) and Danae’ Wade, both of Oxford, MS, and Anna Beth Nelson (Brianna), Bekah Nelson, and Savanna McElheney (Harrison), all of Panama City, FL; 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 will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, March 1, 2025, at New Hope Methodist Church in Winona, with burial following in the church cemetery. Rev. John Ford will officiate 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.
Ms Shirley was a very talented Christian lady. I have great memories of her encouragement.
I have wonderful memories of my Aunt Shirley. She is missed.
Kathy and family, she was a beautiful lady who did God’s work here on earth. Praying for God’s peace and comfort during this difficult time.
Aunt Shirley was one of the most influential people in my life. With her unwavering love and dedication to God and commitment she had to her loved ones no one compares. She has always had my heart.
Shirley was my best friend and I miss her every day. The way we met was a “God thing “ Carolyn Guidry